On April 7th, the Swedish Red Cross invited the Regional Manager for Europe from the Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC) to take part in one of its trainers meetings, which brings together trainers from all parts of the country. This online meeting, which gathered 30 participants, served as a powerful reminder to volunteers that they are part of a vast, international movement. Reminding them that their work for the Red Cross can have a global impact!
Following the presentation of the Centre and the upcoming Guidelines that will help National Societies around the world in adapting their First Aid Training programs to people with various disabilities, the Swedish Red Cross – a long-standing partner of GFARC – expressed strong interest in participating in the pilot phase scheduled for this summer, ahead of the official launch. This commitment reflects the Swedish Red Cross’s ongoing dedication to enhancing its training practices and actively contributing to the development of high-quality educational standards on an international scale.
The remainder of the meeting focused on a key priority: the inclusion of people with disabilities in first aid training. Specifically, attention was given to the behaviours and teaching practices of trainers when working with these groups. The discussions were rich, informed by real-life experiences from the field, and highlighted challenges such as a lack of preparation, feelings of awkwardness, or even unconscious bias, all of which can negatively affect learners with disabilities. These exchanges emphasised the urgent need for improved planning and a more inclusive approach to training.
Participants were divided into working groups tasked with identifying three practical solutions to either prevent or address such issues. These collective reflections aimed to develop a respectful, supportive, and genuinely inclusive pedagogy—one that avoids underestimating a participant’s abilities or making assumptions based on appearance. Each group then shared its recommended good practices with the wider meeting, broadening everyone’s perspectives.
This meeting was particularly timely, as GFARC is currently developing new guidelines to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in first aid training, in response to growing demand from National Societies. These guidelines will address four types of disabilities: motor, visual, auditory, and intellectual, as well as learning disabilities. With a practical, hands-on approach, they will provide detailed recommendations on both organisational aspects (e.g., how to set up a room, ensure accessibility) and pedagogical strategies (e.g., adapting communication and gestures, maintaining a respectful and inclusive attitude, involving family members or caregivers when necessary).
This initiative closely aligns with Vision 2030, which places inclusion, diversity, and equitable access at the heart of its strategy. By developing training that is truly accessible to all, GFARC and its partners are making a meaningful contribution to the Movement’s collective ambition of leaving no one behind.
