Did you know that World First Aid Day is celebrated on 10 September all over the globe?

The theme this year is “lifelong first aid learning” to show that you can always learn something new about this topic.

Find out more about World First Aid Day and what it means for you in our latest post.

What’s World First Aid Day about?

This special day was founded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) back in 2000 and has been celebrated every year since then.

Its purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of first aid and give people all over the world the opportunity to learn or brush up on first aid skills.

The IFRC is a far-reaching network of Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations from across the world, and its activities to commemorate World First Aid Day reach over 4.4 million people every year.

2022’s lifelong learning theme communicates the message that you can learn first aid skills at any age to help create healthier and safer places to live and work.

Activities promote first aid education for children, adults and older adults with the concept that there are no barriers to learning this invaluable skill.

Red Cross and Red Crescent societies all over the world join in by promoting activities and education at the local level while online first aid tips and resources on their website for anyone to access.

Why should I learn first aid?

No one is too old or too young to learn some basic first aid skills, and here’s why they are so important:

  • You may save a life
  • You have the ability to bring comfort to someone in pain, distress or need
  • You could help stabilise a patient and stop them from suffering greater injuries
  • First aid training will also help you collect information about the patient and situation to pass on to the emergency services, aiding their role
  • First aid skills help you stay calm in an emergency
  • They will also help develop your confidence and leadership skills
  • First aid training helps encourage a safe and healthy lifestyle, focusing on the prevention of injury as well as treatment

What kind of things will I learn from a basic first aid course?

If you’re wondering what kind of things you might learn from a basic first aid course, here are some of the topics you may cover:

  • The role of a first aider
  • Communicating with your patient
  • How to manage a first aid situation
  • What you need in a first aid kit
  • How to put someone in the recovery position
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • How to use a defibrillator
  • Bleeding
  • Shock
  • Fractures
  • Burns and scalds
  • Minor injuries
  • Electric shock
  • Epileptic seizure
  • Heart attack
  • Asthma
  • Diabetic emergencies
  • Choking
  • Paediatric (for children) first aid

You should be able to find an in-person first aid course near you. Try searching for your local St John Ambulance Australia branch or check out the IFRC website for details of online courses.

You could even buddy up with a friend or colleague if you feel daunted about attending a first aid course on your own. And it’s great to have a partner to practise your roleplay on too!

How can I join in on World First Aid Day?

There are lots of ways to show your support on World First Aid Day:

  • Enrol on a first aid training programme or a refresher course
  • Organise training for your workplace or community group
  • Volunteer at your local Red Cross, Red Crescent or other first aid organisation
  • Talk to your children about first aid and encourage them to learn some basic skills
  • Share your activities on social media or in your local media
  • Buy a first aid kit for your home or workplace
  • If you already have a first aid kit, ensure it is stocked up with all the essentials and order refills if necessary

Remember…it’s not just for a day!

And remember, first aid awareness is not just for a day! World First Aid Day is a reminder that it pays to have first aid skills the whole year round so that you can be prepared in any situation.

What are you waiting for?

World First Aid Day is the perfect incentive for you to learn new or refresh existing first aid skills.

It’s also a chance to ensure you are equipped with a first aid kit for your home, vehicle, workplace or community space.

Get yourself into a routine of checking that it’s stocked up with everything you need and order refills if necessary.

Know that we offer an extensive range of first aid kits and refills here at MediBC with fantastic customer service and speedy delivery across Australia too. So what are you waiting for? Get ordering ahead of World First Aid Day this 10 September.