Sep 11: In an emergency, the first few minutes can make a crucial difference. Before professional medical help arrives, the person at the scene may be the first to provide assistance. World First Aid Day, observed every year on the second Saturday of September, highlights the importance of making basic first–aid skills accessible to everyone.
Observed on September 12, 2026, the day serves as a reminder that first aid is not only a medical skill but an essential life skill. Road accidents, burns, choking, bleeding, sudden illness and other emergencies can occur anywhere at home, in schools, workplaces or public spaces.
Dr. Prakhar Garg, Associate Director- Internal Medicine, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 110, Noida said,
“On World First Aid Day, remember its powerful theme: Know First Aid, Save a Life. First aid is not about replacing a doctor or paramedic; it is about knowing exactly what to do in those critical moments before professional help arrives. The first few minutes after an emergency are vital. Acting quickly and calmly can prevent injuries from worsening, reduce severe complications, and ultimately save a life. Whether it is applying firm, direct pressure to heavy bleeding, cooling a minor burn under running water for 20 minutes, alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts for choking, or checking responsiveness and starting CPR for an unconscious person, your immediate actions matter.
Every home, school, and workplace must be equipped with a regularly updated first–aid kit containing essentials like bandages, sterile gauze, and antiseptic wipes. But tools alone are not enough knowledge is the real lifesaver. This World First Aid Day, take a few minutes to learn basic first–aid skills. You never know when someone around you might need your help.”
Dr. Naveen Prakash Verma, Senior Consultant & HOD – Emergency, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, said
“First aid is the immediate care provided to a person following an injury or medical emergency, and timely intervention can often make a critical difference to the outcome. The first priority should always be to assess the situation, ensure the person is responsive and breathing normally, and call for emergency medical assistance when required. If a person is not breathing normally, CPR should be initiated and an AED should be used if available. In cases of severe bleeding, firm and continuous pressure should be applied to the wound using sterile gauze or a clean cloth. For burns, the affected area should be cooled under running water for about 20 minutes, while ice, toothpaste, butter and other home remedies should be avoided. Suspected fractures should be kept still and supported without attempting to straighten the injured limb.
Every home, school and workplace should have an easily accessible first–aid kit containing essential supplies such as gauze, bandages, gloves, antiseptic wipes, scissors and a cold pack. Equally important is awareness, basic first–aid training can empower people to respond calmly and correctly during emergencies and potentially save lives,” he added.
Dr. Farha Imam, Senior Consultant & HOD – Emergency Medicine, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Omega-1, Greater Noida, said,
“First aid is the immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical help arrives, and timely action can often make a life-saving difference. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, choking or serious injuries, every minute matters. If someone becomes unconscious, first ensure the surroundings are safe, check responsiveness and breathing, and immediately seek emergency medical assistance. If the person is not breathing normally, CPR should be started and an AED should be used if available. In cases of severe bleeding, firm and continuous pressure should be applied over the wound using clean gauze or cloth. For burns, cool the affected area under running water for around 20 minutes and avoid ice, toothpaste or household remedies. Suspected fractures should be kept still without attempting to straighten the injured limb. Every home, school and workplace should have a well-equipped first–aid kit, but awareness and basic first–aid and CPR training are equally important to ensure the right response during an emergency.”
The importance of first–aid preparedness becomes even greater during disasters and climate-related emergencies, when access to healthcare and emergency services can be disrupted. Training can help people respond calmly, recognise an emergency, seek professional assistance and provide appropriate immediate care.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies trained more than 22 million people in first aid in 2023, underlining the growing reach of first–aid education worldwide.
World First Aid Day is therefore a call to make lifesaving knowledge part of everyday life. A trained bystander can become the first link in the chain of survival, helping someone until professional care arrives.
The message is simple: emergencies can happen anywhere, and being prepared can help save a life.