World First Aid Day is marked every year on the second Saturday of September. This year, it will be observed on September 12, 2026, with “First Aid in Migration Contexts” as the theme. The day highlights the importance of knowing basic first-aid measures that can be used during emergencies before professional medical help arrives.
An injury or sudden medical emergency can happen at any time, whether at home, at the workplace, while travelling or in a public place. Cuts, burns, falls, choking, fainting and unexpected allergic reactions are among the situations where immediate assistance can make an important difference. Taking the right steps in the first few minutes can help keep an injury from getting worse and, in serious cases, may help save a life.
First aid is intended to provide immediate and basic care and is not a replacement for treatment from a doctor or hospital. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), first aid is a skill that anyone can learn and use wherever they are. Having basic knowledge and a properly maintained first-aid kit can therefore help households deal with common emergencies more effectively.
For a cut or bleeding wound, hands should be washed if possible before firm, direct pressure is applied with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. The dressing should not be lifted repeatedly to check the wound, and pressure should be maintained. Severe or uncontrolled bleeding requires immediate medical attention. In the case of a burn, the affected area should be placed under cool, running water for about 20 minutes as soon as possible. Ice, butter, toothpaste and other household substances should be avoided, while large, deep or serious burns should receive medical attention.
When someone is choking and cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively, immediate first aid is necessary. Effective coughing can be encouraged when appropriate, and trained choking-relief methods should be used when needed. If the person becomes unresponsive, emergency services should be contacted and CPR should be started. Someone who faints should be helped to lie down safely and checked to ensure they are breathing normally. Food or water should never be given to an unconscious person. If consciousness does not return quickly, breathing problems occur or the person is injured during the fall, emergency help should be sought.
In suspected fractures or other serious injuries, the affected area should be kept still and a deformed limb should never be forced back into position. Severe pain, swelling, bleeding, numbness or difficulty moving the injured area are signs that medical attention is needed. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, emergency medical services should be called and CPR should be performed if the responder is trained. An automated external defibrillator, or AED, can also be used when available.
A home first-aid kit should be stored somewhere easy to reach and checked regularly. Essential supplies can include sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages, medical tape, antiseptic wipes or solution, disposable gloves, suitable wound-cleaning materials, scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer, an instant cold pack, a triangular bandage, an emergency blanket and a CPR face shield or breathing barrier, if available. Emergency contact numbers and regularly required personal medicines may also be kept in the kit where appropriate.
Medicines should be stored safely, checked for expiry dates and used according to medical advice or the instructions on the label rather than being added randomly. Households with children, older adults or people with allergies or chronic conditions may also need to customise their first-aid supplies based on their individual requirements. Basic first-aid knowledge, combined with a well-prepared kit, can help people respond promptly while waiting for professional medical assistance.
