First Aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, trained personnel to a sick and injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain minor injuries and self-limiting illness which may not require further medical care past first aid intervention. First aid generally consists of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially lifesaving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is one of the world’s leading first aid providers. With first aid skills volunteers and communities are empowered to save lives without discrimination. Since 2000 each second Saturday of the month of September is celebrated worldwide as World First Aid Day through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The idea of First Aid was sparked during a battle in Northern Italy on June 24th, 1859. It came to a young Geneva businessman by the name of Henry Dunant. The need for Humanitarian action is still vital today as it was in 1859. There are millions of people who lose their lives due to inadequate response or lack of timely assistance.
First Aid though is not a replacement for emergencies it can reduce deaths, injuries, impact of disasters and ease out everyday emergencies. First Aid awareness is lacking in many vulnerable communities where the basic idea of how to treat an injury or keep someone alive would have a real impact. This will help build a stronger community and world along with saving lives of hundreds of people.
Picture Courtesies: Irish Red Cross Blog
