Web Desk: World First Aid Day is being observed today whereas the theme of this year is “First Aid and Sports”.
The objective of the day is to raise awareness about the importance of first aid knowledge and to encourage individuals to undergo training in basic first aid training.
World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of September to highlight the importance of first aid in saving lives.
This year, World First Aid Day falls on September 14. The day aims to educate people about the crucial role first aid plays in tackling medical emergencies and encouraging them to come forward when a situation arises.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) declared the second Saturday of September the World First Aid Day in 2001.
The day also honours heroes who provide timely first aid and encourages others to step in as well. Several organisations also organise campaigns on this day to spread awareness about basic first aid skills.
Importance of First Aid Day
First aid is an emergency measure that often consists of simple, frequently life-saving measures that the vast majority of individuals can learn to execute with minimum equipment and no prior medical knowledge. The term “First aid” relates to the administration of care to a human provided by a bystander (s), though it is not considered medical treatment and does not replace expert medical interventions. The core aims of first aid are to preserve life, promote recovery, prevent further deterioration and ensure safe transportation to the nearby healthcare facility.
Several research reports have shown that the lack of first aid provision has been costly at times of emergency. As per a 2005 research in an unspecified medical emergency, people who received first aid assistance at or near the injury site and were quickly transported to a nearby hospital showed better outcomes and survival. Another 2002 research study in Delhi, India, reported on a fire accident event; there was an assumption of only 6% mortality in patients with more than 60% burn if the patients have received first aid at the site of injury , as the major cause of death in the fire accident were resuscitation failure and inhalation injury.
In the event of a sudden injury or illness, bystanders might play an essential role before the arrival of professional assistance. Globally, the willingness, frequency, and quality of first aid provision are poor due to a lack of basic first aid knowledge but can be improved with proper training. Therefore, World First Aid Day thrives to promote awareness about the importance of having basic first aid skills to become a bystander during medical emergencies.
World First Aid Day 2024 Theme
This year, 2024, the World First Aid Day theme is “First Aid and Sports”. The theme emphasizes the importance of immediate medical attention in the context of sports-related injuries. It highlights the need for comprehensive injury prevention strategies, effective protocols, and the adoption of first aid policies to ensure safety. While sports inherently carry the risk of injuries, understanding the foundational principles of first aid is vital in responding to these situations.
Sports are a source of joy and entertainment and an arena where individuals challenge their physical limits, foster camaraderie, and promote community engagement. However, amidst the excitement of
athletic pursuits, there is the potential for injuries and medical emergencies.
