The International First Aid Attestation (IFAA), awarded by the Global First Aid Reference Centre of the IFRC, empowers Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies (RCRC NS) by attesting that their first aid training meets the latest IFRC International First Aid, Resuscitation, and Education Guidelines. This recognition, valid for five years, demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in first aid education, contributing to better prevention and response systems, and strengthening community resilience.

Currently, 14 National Societies have obtained the IFAA (Ukrainian Red Cross, Armenian Red Cross, Magen David Adom, German Red Cross,Red Crescent Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Turkish Red Crescent, Bulgarian Red Cross, Netherlands Red Cross, Austrian Red Cross, Tanzania Red Cross, Red Cross Society of China, Lebanese Red Crescent, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Morrocco Red Crescent). These NSs showcased their dedication to maintaining high standards in first aid training. Additionally, 9 National Societies are in the process of obtaining this certification, working diligently to meet the required standards. These efforts highlight a global commitment to harmonizing first aid practices based on evidence-based guidelines and the collective expertise of the RCRC network.

Since some National Societies obtained their IFAA almost five years ago, we are preparing to publish a renewal process soon. These societies can already start contacting the GFARC Zone Manager to learn more about the process. This renewal ensures that the standards of first aid education remain high and continue to evolve with new insights and guidelines.

The IFAA’s approach emphasizes harmonization over standardization, aiming to establish consensus on minimum agreed principles while respecting national differences. This ensures that first aid training is effective and relevant across diverse contexts without replacing national certificates. By obtaining the IFAA, National Societies enhance their role in community resilience through high-quality first aid education.

We congratulate the National Societies that have already achieved IFAA recognition and encourage those in the process to persevere. For other societies considering this journey, we urge you to join this initiative. The IFAA not only validates your commitment to excellence in first aid education but also strengthens the global network dedicated to saving lives and fostering safer communities.

Find here a presentation video with a testimony from the Armenian Red Cross Society, presenting the IFAA process, as well as its challenges and its benefits for the National Society.