Introduction:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched the World First Aid Day in 2000. More than 100 societies of Red Cross and Red Crescent worldwide celebrate this day by organizing events on the second Saturday of September each year; to raise public awareness about how first aid can save lives in case of crises. The International Federation believes that first aid must be accessible to all people and should be an integral part of the development of societies.
Facts:
- Worldwide, an estimated 2 million people are killed and 50 million are injured in road crashes each year; as they are the leading cause of death among the 15-29 age group, noting that 49% of deaths are pedestrians.
- For motorcyclists, wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of death in the event of a crash (by up to 40%) and the chance of a serious injury (by up to 70 %).
- Seatbelts limit the risk of death by 45% to 50% for front-seat passengers and up to 75% for rear-seat passengers.
- Lack of oxygen (or hypoxia) is one of the most common causes of death among traffic accident victims; due to airway obstructions.
Official Date:
Globally: September 14th, 2019
Locally: Muharram 15th, 1441H.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness of how first aid can save lives.
- Encouraging first aid training for all community members.
- Providing first aid courses to community members by specialists.
- Raising awareness about the most importance home and outdoor accidents and required first aid.
- Introducing the bodies providing accredited first aid courses.
World Day Theme:
«First Aid is for Everyone, Everywhere»