Every year on the second Saturday in September, people worldwide observe World First Aid Day to promote awareness of the critical role that first aid plays in saving lives. Before a medical practitioner examines the patient’s health, first aid is the initial care given to them following an accident, cut, or burn. It is a fundamental ability that all people should possess and dates back to Henry Dunant, the Red Cross’s founder, in the late 1800s. Localities worldwide host competitions, seminars, and exhibitions to highlight vital first-aid skills. This day serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to face emergencies with confidence and readiness.
What is First Aid?
First aid has been used for 120 years; its roots may be found in the teachings of military doctors and the Royal Humane Society. The idea of teaching citizens first aid techniques was introduced in 1878 by two military officers from Aberdeenshire, Surgeon-Major Peter Shepherd and Colonel Francis Duncan. Shepherd created the first aid curriculum and conducted the first lesson in Woolwich, London. Residents of Woolwich put their training to use shortly after when the 600 persons on board the pleasure yacht Princess Alice perished in the sinking. Several St. John first aid certifications had been issued before the end of the 19th century, indicating the quick global adoption of first aid education.
History of World First Aid Day
- First aid has its roots in primitive medicine when people relied on herbal cures for wounds and ailments. Henry Dunant established the International Committee of the Red Cross in the nineteenth century, which marked the evolution of the contemporary idea of first aid.
- Dunant thought that everyone should have access to emergency medical treatment, regardless of their affiliation or country of origin.
- World First Aid Day was founded as a result of young businessman Henry Dunant’s observation of the agony of injured troops and the delay in receiving proper care during the Battle of Solferino (1859) in Italy.
- He was moved by his experiences to create “A Memory of Solferino,” which promotes the idea of neutral volunteer organisations helping the injured in times of conflict.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established in 1863. It is a neutral organisation that focuses on teaching citizens first aid and is committed to delivering humanitarian help in areas of war.
- The idea of first aid education took up around the world in the second half of the 20th century, when nations like Britain started requiring students to receive first aid training and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies organised training courses.
- September 2 was formally designated as World First Aid Day by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2000.
- Every year, a fresh subject is selected to emphasise various facets of first aid, ranging from disaster preparedness and basic life support to mental health first aid and empowering marginalised communities.
Significance of World First Aid Day
- A worldwide campaign known as World First Aid Day seeks to lower the number of injury-related fatalities and disabilities by raising awareness of and providing training in vital first-aid procedures. It also strengthens the capacity of communities to respond to catastrophes by promoting a culture of readiness and assistance to one another.
- First aid is an emergency protocol designed to protect life, encourage healing, stop additional damage, and guarantee a safe transfer to medical facilities. Studies indicate that in an emergency, not having first aid supplies on hand might be expensive.
- A 2005 research conducted in Bangalore, India, discovered that those who were promptly sent to a local hospital after receiving first aid at or close to the site of injury had improved outcomes and survival rates.
- A 2002 research conducted in Delhi, India, discovered that if patients with more than 60% burns got first assistance at the site of injury, only 6% fatality was predicted. Before medical help arrives, spectators may be crucial in the case of an unexpected sickness or accident.
- Due to a lack of fundamental first aid expertise, first aid supply is not as willing, frequent, or of high quality worldwide. The purpose of World First Aid Day is to increase public awareness of the value of being prepared with basic first aid knowledge in case of medical crises while onlookers assist.
Conclusion
Every year on September 14, 2024, there is a celebration known as World First Aid Day that highlights the value of first aid knowledge and abilities. It promotes creative, inclusive, and easily available first-aid training for all. By actively taking part, we can make the world a safer and more resilient place by enabling people to help communities and individuals in need promptly.
