September 10, 2020 - The Red Cross of Montenegro will be marking the World First Aid Day on Saturday, September 12. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of knowing first aid, which in many situations is crucial for saving lives, according to the Red Cross of Montenegro.
"First aid is an initial step in providing an effective and prompt response, which helps mitigate the consequences of severe injury and increase the chances of survival of an at-risk individual. Millions of people are injured or die from injuries every day due to inadequate response or untimely action," the Red Cross statement reads.
This year's theme for World First Aid Day is "First Aid during the Covid-19 Epidemic".
"Knowing first aid at all times, especially in emergencies such as the Covid-19 epidemic, is extremely important. Going to medical facilities is not recommended, except in emergencies, and more time spent at home increases the risk of minor injury. Therefore, for as many people as possible, at least one in each household, it is important that they know how to provide first aid to themselves and others. It is also necessary that each household has a readily-available first aid kit containing the basic items needed to provide first aid," said the coordinator of the First Aid Program in the Red Cross of Montenegro, Igor Jokanović.
Due to the overall coronavirus situation, it is not possible to organize mass events such as those the municipal Red Cross organizations have held thus far to mark World First Aid Day. Still, volunteers will share information material with recommendations on what to do in case of injuries at home.
Some local organizations will organize a "public first aid class" in squares and demonstrate primary care of injuries and conditions. The campaign and the sharing of useful tips will also take place via social media.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a world leader in providing first aid. For more than 150 years, first aid has been one of the essential services provided to the injured by volunteers and employees of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The Red Cross of Montenegro is continuously working on training the population to provide first aid. Through lectures in primary and secondary schools, faculties, work organizations, and by organizing local competitions, state competitions, and demonstration exercises, in the previous year, over 5,500 people were trained through the first aid program.
