For over 150 years, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement remains a world leader in upholding first aid education quality standards, service procedures and developing evidence-based guidelines. Based on our extensive experience, we help shape the world’s understanding of the need and approach in first aid.

First aid is the cornerstone of the Red Cross Movement. All of our 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are currently providing first aid education and services. Each year, collectively National Societies train more than 20 million people in first aid. There are more than 13 million active first aid trainers serving their communities, and making first aid available for all.

For many people, when they think of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, they think of our first aid volunteers on the frontline in humanitarian crises, treating the wounded and sick. Furthermore, they think of the first aid education we provide in schools, community centres, and the workplace. As a result, more people and communities can carry out first aid to save lives.

However, despite our collective achievements, a lot still needs to be done. This includes scaling up first aid education and improving quality standards, based on evidence and good practice. Most importantly, it is the Red Cross Movement’s mission to encourage people to be empowered and gain the confidence to give first aid in emergencies to save lives.

The 2020 International first aid, resuscitation and education guidelines are developed to help National Societies and other educators within the Movement expand their work in first aid and meet the Red Cross Movement’s mission and ambition. The 2020 Guidelines build on our extensive experience and draw on evidence gathered over the past two decades. The evidence and findings were drawn out from existing literature, research, programme evaluations, and advice from experts.

The 2020 Guidelines are targeted at first aid programme designers and managers and their first aid and education advisory bodies. First aid educators within the Movement can use these guidelines to update their first aid materials, education and skills in accordance with the latest evidence-based international standards. The document helps first aid educators adapt and apply the guidelines and recommendations in accordance with their local needs, circumstances and government legislation.

The IFRC Strategy 2030 envisions a new change in the organisation: it is focused on both what we do and how we do it. Therefore, we are even more effectively equipped to save lives, accompany and support people in building their resilience.

First aid and its volunteers are key partners of this change in the Movement’s preparedness and response to climate change, crisis and disasters, health and migration needs.

Sincerely yours,

Mr. Jagan Chapagain

Explore the guidelines

Published: 15 February 2021