Updated September 23, 2022
Each Year, World First Aid Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of September. So, this year the day is being celebrated on 10 September worldwide. This day is an annual campaign focused on encouraging people in first aid training and promoting the importance of first aid training.
The day is also marked to promote awareness among general people about the necessity of first aid in the event of an accident and how first aid can save lives in critical situations. First aid training offers pieces of information and skills to effectively respond, as well as it also provides the confidence to act when called upon.
First aid means emergency or immediate assistance is given to someone suffering from minor or serious injury or illness until complete medical treatment is available. First aid provides us with tools to prevent the situation from getting worse.
History of World First Aid Day;
Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman from Geneva, was shocked and saddened to see people suffering during the battle of Solferino that occurred on 24 June 1859. That miserable sight led him to write a book- “A Memory of Solferino.”
Dunant’s idea of an independent organization to offer urgent care to injured soldiers was discussed in the book. After his writings became widely read, Dunant founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and he became the co-founder of the Red Cross.
Later in the year 2000, World First Aid Day was first marked by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). They believed that first aid is a ”humanitarian deed” and that everyone should have easy access to first aid. Additionally, the IFRC urges people to acquire fundamental first aid knowledge and abilities to save lives without discrimination.
Significance of World First Aid Day;
According to statistics, millions of people are injured or killed every year due to a lack of access to appropriate and timely medical care. The Red Cross website states that many people across the globe get Unintentional injuries, and situations get worse due to a lack of timely medical aid.
Every time it is not necessary for some medical staff to help, having a good amount of first aid knowledge, confidence, and the ability to act immediately in an emergency situation, ordinary people can help save lives and reduce the impact of the injury.
The purpose behind celebrating the day is to encourage people to acquire knowledge of first aid and raise public awareness of the importance and usage of first aid in an accident and how it can save lives in life-threatening circumstances.
How Do We Celebrate World First Aid Day?
To observe this day, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies organize some events and workshops worldwide. These events and functions make people understand the importance of first aid and how it can save lives. These events also encourage the general public to learn first aid and to obtain first aid certification.
If you don’t know first aid, today is a great day, you can start learning the essentials of first aid, and on this day, you can discuss the importance of first aid with your family, friends, juniors, and seniors.
Also, tell them to carry first aid while traveling, and we should have a first aid kit in our home. You can start a campaign on social media such as Twitter and Facebook and spread awareness about first aid on this day by using the hashtags #WorldFirstAidDay2022.
The Theme of World First Aid Day 2022;
The theme for World First Aid Day 2021 was ‘First aid and road safety.’ And, “Lifelong First Aid” is the theme of 2022, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
World First Aid Day Quotes, Messages, Slogans;
(I) “If you don’t know first aid. You can’t help.”
(II) “Your best first aid is job safety.”- Unknown
(III) “Every second count learns first aid.”- Unknown
(IV) “We believe in keeping you safe.”- Unknown
(V) “Become a lifesaver.”- Unknown
(VI) “The bleeding edge of care.”- Unknown
(VII) “Safety brings first aid to the uninjured.”- Unknown
(VIII) “Meet you in the first aid tent.”- Unknown
(IX) “Safety brings first aid to the uninjured.”- Unknown
(X) “Don’t be a dummy about first aid.”
(XI) “First aid. It is what it is.”
Frequently asked Questions on World First Aid Day
Ans: World First Aid Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of September each year. So, this year the day is being celebrated on 10 September worldwide.
Ans: The theme for World First Aid Day 2021 was ‘First aid and road safety.’
Ans: In 2000, World First Aid Day was first marked by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Ans: Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman from Geneva, was shocked and saddened to see people suffering during the battle of Solferino that occurred on 24 June 1859.