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World First Aid Day is an international day celebrated by the International Red Cross movement around the world to raise public awareness about the critical lifesaving capacity of a simple first aid course.
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In 2000, sixteen European Red Cross Societies initiated celebration of World First Aid Day. The idea was soon adopted worldwide. On the initiative of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as many as 115 Red Cross National Societies across the world marked World First Aid Day in 2003. This exceptional success proves that first aid, a basic voluntary activity mutual to all Red Cross National Societies, is present and appreciated in all communities. It also proves that Red Cross is an important promoter of first aid in all parts of world. First aid trainings implemented by Red Cross prepare ordinary people (non-professionals) for response in case of an emergency. Trained people are able to render first aid and help the injured before arrival of the medical professionals. Prompt reaction saves lives and shortens the healing and recuperation.
Not only that first aid treats wounds, but also offers help and support to the victim. Psychological support offered to the injured (words of encouragement, tap on shoulder) is as important as the technique applied to treat the injury.
Psychological support has become essential part of first aid, because it preserves human dignity of the injured.World First Aid Day is an excellent opportunity to highlight the fact that first aid is a humane act that motivates people to build better, safer and more humane communities.
In addition to delivering lifesaving first aid and essential health care services during emergencies, armed conflicts and natural disasters, the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s immense network of millions of volunteers also makes a valuable contribution to the every-day health and well being of communities.
“Volunteers are the backbone and power of the national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies,” says Dr Sultan Mohammod Homayoun, Health Programme Manager for the International Federation’s delegation in Afghanistan.
“They play an important role in the community, providing first aid for basic injuries and illnesses at the village level, where access to health facilities is limited,” he says, adding that Afghan Red Crescent Society volunteers also work to improve the health and well being of isolated and vulnerable communities, through a variety of activities, such as health education and community awareness.
“This enhances the knowledge and capacity of remote communities to protect themselves, and reduce the incidence of common diseases such as diarrhoea and malaria, while promoting childhood vaccinations and maternal health.”
Volunteers also play an active role in promoting the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Leading by example, through the provision of first aid and other activities, which relieve the suffering of the most vulnerable, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers encourage the communities in which they live to recognise and value humanity, through respect for all human beings, regardless of their nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion.
On 9 September 2006 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world organized events on the theme: ”Saving lives without discrimination.” National Societies and their branches carried out workshops, they demonstrated first-aid techniques and held talks to increase awareness of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These are: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance without any selfish motives.
Photo gallery from World First Aid Day 2006
In an emergency, basic knowledge of first aid and CPR can be the difference between life and death, says the CEO of Australian Red Cross, Robert Tickner.
'Too often we all see a crowd standing around after an accident or a fall and the cry goes out-- "Don't just stand there do something!" but nobody knows what to do.'
'Parents especially are aware of how quickly accidents can occur when children are involved- but a simple investment in your child's life by attending an Australian Red Cross First Aid course can give you the confidence to respond immediately after an accident or during an emergency' Mr Tickner said.
'Giving up half a day of your life to learn basic First Aid procedures will mean that one day you may give the gift of life to another human being.'
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