international
first aid attestation
The IFAA, International First Aid Attestation, is a recognition that a first aid training provided by a Red Cross Red Crescent National Society (RC RC NS) is consistent with the latest IFRC International First Aid, Resuscitation and Education Guidelines, updated every five years.
The IFAA represents the commitment of RC RC NS for continuous quality improvement in the field of first aid education. The IFAA quality process is based on a frame of reference coming from the Guidelines, as well as additional guidelines and best practices jointly agreed on by NS and IFRC during the IFAA project pilot phase (2019-2020).Through the IFRC International First Aid, Resuscitation and Education Guidelines, on which its frame of reference is based, the IFAA relies on the international consensus on first aid and resuscitation.
The IFAA will ensure that learners, considered as future first aid providers, have access to the best quality first aid education in order to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence as well as their willingness to apply first aid competencies. The IFAA therefore contributes to a better prevention and response system in a people-centred approach to community resilience strengthening at community levels.
The IFAA’s methodology relies on harmonisation rather than standardisation: the intention is not to have the same unique first aid training available around the world, but rather to reach a consensus on minimum agreed principles relying on evidence-based first aid guidelines and knowledge gained from the experience and expertise of the RCRC network.
Therefore, the IFAA is not meant to replace national first aid certificates.
- The IFAA award consists of a stamp provided by the IFRC GFARC.
- IFAA is valid for five years and can be renewed afterward.
- The IFAA process was field tested thanks to the involvement of five NS from the five different IFRC regions: the Red Cross Society of China, the Lebanese Red Cross, the Italian Red Cross, the Tanzania Red Cross Society and the Costa Rica Red Cross. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratefulness to these NS and colleagues from first aid departement IFRC field offices and ICRC who actively contributed to the IFAA process documents and tools via the IFAA working group!
LAUNCH THE PROCESS FOR YOUR NS TRAINING
- This Attestation is delivered to RC RC National Societies’ first aid trainings only. A step-by-step process should be followed, including a self-assessment and a Monitoring & Evaluation field visit coordinated by the GFARC and its team of IFAA Representatives. RC RC NS who wish to get prepared for their first aid trainings or enter the IFAA process can access all information here.
- IFRC and ICRC Offices and National Societies who wish to read more about the process to support NS can read the two-pager here or the concept note there.
- If you are not a member of the RC RC Movement, please read our two-pager for external stakeholders.
IFAA Frequently Asked Questions
What is IFAA?
The IFAA, International First Aid Attestation, is a recognition that a first aid training provided by a Red Cross Red Crescent National Society towards the general public, is consistent with the latest IFRC International first aid,
resuscitation and education guidelines.
How long does it take?
This can vary from country to country. It is between 2 to 6 months.
How long is the field visit?
It depends on the number of courses for which the National Society has applied. But this is between 3 to 7 days.
How much does it cost?
Costs are :
a) 500 euros IFAA fee
b) Costs related to the field visit : travel, food, accomodation of your IFAA representative
What Monitoring and Evaluation is provided?
The Monitoring and Evaluation field visit consists of an IFAA Representative to observe two different trainings for which the National Societies applied for and have different meetings with first aid department representatives. It is organised by the host National Society, in strong collaboration with the IFAA focal point. The visit will help determine if IFAA can be awarded or not and an improvement plan will be designed.
How many stages of the process are there?
The IFAA process consists of two stages towards IFAA awarding:
• stage 1: Self-assessment
• stage 2: Monitoring & Evaluation field visit
If all stages are duly completed and validated by GFARC, the IFAA is
awarded to the training(s) for which the National Society applied.
IFAA is valid for 5 years and can be renewed afterwards.
Where do I apply?
In order to apply you have to send the self assessment form, per course applied for, to first.aid@ifrc.org