World First Aid Day is observed annually on every second Saturday in the month of September and thus this year it falls on 10th of September.
This is a day which aims to raise awareness regarding the important of first aid in our lives and also on how to perform a first aid in a required situation.
First aid is defined as giving someone immediate medical assistance. It is often given until full medical treatment is available. The first step of providing first aid is recognizing that someone needs medical attention. And this aims to bring awareness to people that how and when you should give a first aid to someone in need.
| Event | World First Aid Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 10, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | Raises awareness of the significance of first aid |
| Observed by | World wide |
World First Aid Day History:
First aid is not new to humanity and it has been recorded throughout history, especially in relation to warfare, where the care of both traumatic and medical cases was required in particularly large numbers. The bandaging of battle wounds is shown on Classical Greek pottery from 500 B.C. only, whilst the parable of the Good Samaritan includes references to binding or dressing wounds. There are numerous references to first aid performed within the Roman army as well, with a system of first aid supported by surgeons, field ambulances, and hospitals.
Then in the modern history the first aid appeared as we know of today. At first it was mostly limited to hospitals and surgeons but as people became aware through the passage of time they started to keep first aid in homes, schools and any other public institutions so that on case of emergency it can be used. And today we can see first aid kits everywhere.
For the first time the World First Day was observed in 2000 and since then it is continuing and it was established by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Once Henry Dunant, a young Geneva merchant, experienced horrific misery and agony during the battle of Solferino on June 24, 1859. He obtained the required equipment and supplies for them and assisted in the building of makeshift hospitals. In 1863, his book “A Memory of Solferino" prompted the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
World First Aid Day Significance:
Today every year, millions of people are injured or killed as a result of inadequate and timely medical care. First aid effectively minimises fatalities, injuries, and impact during catastrophes and everyday situations. Its major objective is to save lives and prevent the disease from deteriorating. Hence it is very important to apply a first aid in earlier stages only.
But because of carelessness and hurry shown by the people causes them to avoid applying first aid as they don't think about the ill-effects of carrying an open wound and how devastating it can get for their overall health. So this day educates those people that ignoring first aid can also turn fatal if you continues being reckless. Hence this day is celebrated as an awareness campaign for first aid.
First aid is a very effective means of helping someone. When people sustain a serious injury, and no one can perform first aid, the person could die before emergency responders arrive. According to a recent Red Cross survey, 59 percent of deaths from injuries may have been prevented by first aid hence use of first aid is very important for saving lives.
The next thing the day tries to educate and aware people regarding the correct and timely use of first aid as it is very important that first aid should be applied immediately to prevent the spread of any wound which can lead to infection in the body. And if gets caught yourself in a situation when someone gets injured so you should be able to apply first aid to your friend or companion, for that you need to have atleast basic knowledge for medication and thus this day encourages people to learn about it.
For that only on this day, more than 100 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the world hold activities and ceremonies to make people aware of the need for first aid and also teaches them about how and when to use first aid and also encourages people to always help somebody injured in need by always taking them go the hospital.
World First Aid Day Theme:
Every year on the occasion of 'World First Aid Day' the IFRC sets up a particular theme based on a certain thing for people to focus on that particular year. Like last year in 2021 the theme was "First aid and road safety."
The theme for this year's World First Aid Day 2022 set up by IFRC is "Lifelong First Aid."
This theme is putting forward the importance of having a lifelong First Aid learning. No matter the age, having first aid skills and knowledge helps creating safer and healthier communities and it is very good for our closed ones like friends and family members as well as it provides them a more secure environment.
Children, adults, or elder people all should be able to have a quality first aid education. A lifelong commitment to learning and providing first aid is what makes us more resilient. So definitely don't ignore and of you don't know to use first aid then learn everything about it on this World First Aid Day.
Most Searched FAQs on World First Aid Day:
1. When is World First Aid Day is observed?
World First Aid Day is observed annually on every second Saturday of September.
2. Who invented first aid?
Friedrich Esmarch is regarded as the father of modern first aid.
3. What is theme of World First Aid Day 2022?
World First Aid Day 2022 theme is "Lifelong First Aid."