On May 6 and 7, Toronto hosted the strategic meeting of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), which brought together some 30 experts from around the world. Among them were leading figures in the fields of resuscitation and first aid, representing prominent institutions such as the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR), the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the Inter American Heart Foundation (IAHF), the Indian Resuscitation Council Federation (IRCF), the Resuscitation Council of Asia (RCA), the Resuscitation Councils of Southern Africa (RCSA), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), represented by the Global First Aid Reference Center (GFARC) and the American Red Cross. This diversity of backgrounds and expertise enriched the discussions and underscored the truly international scope of the work carried out.
The main goal of the forum was to lay the groundwork for a unified future for resuscitation and first aid, honoring the legacy of early pioneers and the breakthroughs of visionary scientists. The stated goal was clear: “To save more lives through resuscitation and first aid.” The discussions highlighted the crucial importance of enhanced coordination between ILCOR member organizations in order to develop an ambitious strategic plan in line with scientific and technological developments.
During the meeting, the various working groups analyzed ILCOR’s current position, assessing both its past successes and its future prospects. In particular, the Toronto meeting focused on in-depth work on a new economic model designed to optimize synergy between the various stakeholders and ensure the sustainability of public health initiatives. This innovative approach was a true exercise in collective reflection, aimed at reconciling scientific requirements and practical realities. The GFARC played a key role in this process, highlighting its recognized expertise in linking research and operational practice. Its contribution was praised for its rigor, dynamism, and commitment to promoting concrete solutions to improve the chain of survival. This close collaboration demonstrates the team spirit and mutual support that have become the cornerstones of ILCOR’s success.
The ILCOR strategic meeting thus paved the way for the next stages of development. The joint work will culminate in the presentation of the “2025 Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations” at a dedicated meeting in October 2025, followed by the release of the “2025 Guidelines” at the ERC Congress in Netherlands. These milestones mark important dates in the international resuscitation calendar and promise to bring new insights that could positively influence practices worldwide.
