On May 16, the Global First Aid Reference Center (GFARC) took part in the second edition of the RC3 Long Night of Research, a 24-hour international event designed as a moment of collective reflection within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Supported by the French Red Cross Foundation through the RC3 (Research, Creation, Collaboration) network, this annual event has established itself as a real catalyst for innovative ideas and evidence-based humanitarian practices.
The 2024 edition, which focused on cross-cutting issues and diverse perspectives, explored critical topics such as disaster risk reduction, migration, global health, and artificial intelligence applied to humanitarian action. Through various workshops and conferences, the Long Night of Research aims to answer a central question: how can research improve humanitarian practices and strengthen the Movement’s impact?
The GFARC took part in this stimulating event by organizing a round table entitled “First aid: evidence, implementation, and publication,” which brought together field workers, trainers, and experts for a rich exchange on the role of research in the development of first aid practices, particularly in low-resource settings.
Moderated by the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of First Aid Education, the session began by highlighting the importance of scientific publication as a lever for improving guidelines. Two national experiences aptly illustrated this dynamic: that of Timor-Leste Red Cross, with a targeted training project in rural areas, and that of the Fiji Red Cross, which shared its ambitions for promoting practice through research.
The discussions highlighted the many challenges faced by National Societies, including lack of academic training, limited time, and restricted financial resources. However, they also identified concrete levers for overcoming these challenges, such as methodological support from the GFARC and the opportunities offered by accessible and inclusive journals. A prominent place was given to the development of a culture of evaluation and the need to document field actions in order to build a shared evidence base. Beyond the inspiring testimonials, this round table served as a laboratory for ideas: how can we encourage more National Societies to contribute to the scientific literature? How can international standards be adapted to local realities while ensuring their rigor? These questions were addressed with pragmatism and ambition.
Ultimately, the GFARC’s participation in the Long Night of Research illustrates its key role in promoting a scientific approach to first aid. The date has already been set for the 2025 edition, where the GFARC will continue to be an active player in the service of resilience and community health.
