World First Aid Day is annually observed across the globe on the 2nd Saturday of September to promote the importance of first aid knowledge and skills and to raise awareness about how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in daily crises.
- The day encourages everyone to learn basic first aid techniques and equip themselves with the skills to act rapidly and effectively in emergencies.
World First Aid Day 2024 was observed on 14 September 2024.
- World First Aid Day 2023 was observed on 9 September 2023;
- World First Aid Day 2025 will be observed on 13 September 2025.
2024 Theme:
The theme of World First Aid Day 2024 is, “First Aid and Sports”.
- The 2024 theme highlights the significance of first aid knowledge in sports settings, where swift action can prevent serious injuries.
Background:
i.In 2000, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) declared the 2nd Saturday of September as World First Aid Day.
- The IFRC and its Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are the world’s leading providers and trainers in first aid.
ii.The first-ever World First Aid Day was observed on 9 September 2000.
History of First Aid:
i.The origin of First Aid emerged in the late 19th century when the concept of providing immediate care gained momentum.
ii.In 1859, a battle in Solferino, Italy during the Franco-Austrian War resulted in tens of thousands of soldiers being injured, without medical care.
iii.Jean Henry Dunant, a businessman from Geneva (Switzerland), helped the wounded soldiers and then lobbied political leaders to take more action to protect war victims.
iv.In his 1862 book, A Memory of Solferino, Dunant advocated forming relief societies with nurses to care for the wounded in wartime and for their protection through an international agreement.
v.His ideas led to the creation of ‘the International Committee for the Relief to the Wounded’, which subsequently became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
- Founded in 1863, the ICRC carries out humanitarian activities for all persons suffering from armed conflicts or other situations of violence, such as disturbances or tensions.
Note: Jean Henry Dunant was jointly awarded the 1901 Nobel Peace Prize with Frédéric Passy(France) for his humanitarian efforts to help wounded soldiers and create international understanding.
What is First Aid?
i.First aid refers to the immediate care given to someone who’s injured or unwell before professional help arrives.
- Key skills in First Aid like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound care, and the Heimlich maneuver are vital in emergencies, potentially saving lives.
ii.First aid knowledge promotes community safety, preparing individuals to act confidently in crises.
iii.Health education enhances first-aid awareness, empowering people to act effectively, thus protecting themselves and others.
About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Secretary-General (SG)- Jagan Chapagain
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Founded– 1919
