14 September - World First Aid Day 2019
Second Saturday in September every year: Raising awareness of how first aid can save lives. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) introduced World First Aid Day in 2000.
Sangeeta Jain
Sep 13, 2019
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World First Aid Day is a worldwide observance held on the second Saturday in September and this year - 2019, it is falling on 14th September. It was initiated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2000 and has been commended every year ever since.
The term “first aid” refers to the help given to anybody enduring abrupt damage or disease. Its primary objectives are to protect life and keep the condition from worsening. It is not always performed by the medical staff. In emergency situations, ordinary people often have to perform first aid to save someone's life.
World First Aid Day 2019 Theme
World First Aid Day aims at raising awareness of how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in everyday and crisis situations, as well as at promoting the accessibility of the first aid.
As per the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) the World First Aid Day 2019 theme is “First Aid and Excluded People”.
Activities Performed on World First Aid Day
There are various different events and activities held on this day focus on first aid training for every individual. Every year, a new universal theme for this particular day is preferred, and participants are encouraged to plan events according to the current year's theme.
Significant First Aid Tips to Remember:-
First aid does not inevitably need any prior knowledge and can involve improvisation. However, if the person performing first aid doesn't know what they are doing, they might hurt instead of helping. That is why the IFRC encourages people to undergo basic first aid training or at least educate themselves using any available reliable sources.
1. In case somebody is bleeding heavily
Dos
- Use a clean bandage to apply pressure to the wound
- Raise the feet if the bleeding is in the lower body
- Raise the head and torso, if the bleeding is in the upper body
Don'ts
- Use home remedies such as vinegar or chili powder
- Remove any object embedded in the body
- Wash the wound with water
2. If someone has suffered from a burn
Dos
- Remove any loose clothes and jewelry that is not stuck to the skin
- Run room-temperature water over the burn area
- Apply an ointment and sterile gauze over the area for a minor burn
Don'ts
- Use ice over the burn area
- Apply butter, grease, and oil to the affected area
- Attempt to burst small blisters
3. In case somebody has suffered a head injury
Dos
- Check their heart rate
- Check to ensure the person is breathing steadily
- Apply an ice pack on any swollen areas
Don'ts
- Wash a deep head wound that is bleeding profusely
- Remove any debris in and around the wound
- Shake or move the person if they are losing consciousness
4. If you suspect somebody is suffering from a heart attack
Dos
- Make them sit down and cough
- Loosen any tight and restricting clothing
- Help them take nitroglycerin that has been prescribed to them
Don'ts
- Leave the patient alone
- Make any other calls before calling an ambulance
- Wait to see if the symptoms go away
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