First Aid

Read blog posts from the Canadian Red Cross about First Aid and CPR

Latest Posts

Rescuer Award presented to Newfoundland and Labrador man for saving friend with CPR during basketball game

Adam Boyles holding his rescuer award

Adam Boyles of St. John’s was recently honoured with a Rescuer Award from the Canadian Red Cross for intervening and performing CPR after his friend John McDermott experienced cardiac arrest on a basketball court at the YMCA in St. John’s in March 2023.

Adam Boyles holding his rescuer award

From sudden death to a second chance at life thanks to three gym partners, an AED and First Aid training

An AED mounted on a wall

One night in February 2022, John Uhren sat down at the dinner table with his wife and 11-month-old son and declared he was going back to the gym. Prior to that, he had been working out at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a young, fit, and active man, attending fitness classes was something he did long before the pandemic. Little did he know that when he returned to the gym for a class, his heart would stop.

An AED mounted on a wall

Hope in the Face of Adversity: Kym Porter's Journey of Healing and Community Support in Medicine Hat

In the picturesque community of Medicine Hat, Alberta, one woman has emerged as a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and transforming tragedy into triumph. Kym Porter, a compassionate advocate for opioid harm reduction, has dedicated her life to empowering her community through naloxone training and combating the burden of stigma. We’re diving  into Kym's incredible story, her unwavering resilience, and her mission to create a brighter future for those affected by drug use.
 

Empowering Communities: Opioid Harm Reduction in Canada

In recent years, Canada has faced a grave challenge in the form of the opioid crisis, demanding urgent action and innovative solutions.  Dedicated people like Judi Frank have emerged as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. We took the time to learn more about Judi’s inspiring journey, exploring her work in the opioid harm reduction space, the critical role of community engagement, and the importance of self-care in combating compassion fatigue.
 

How CPR is not like in the movies

A person in a red shirt performing chest compressions on a CPR training mannequin

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is depicted in many ways on-screen, often for the benefit of the movie or show’s drama or timeframe.
Instead of focusing on how incorrectly CPR can be depicted, we want to focus on the accuracy of a few simple steps – steps which could save lives.

A person in a red shirt performing chest compressions on a CPR training mannequin

Debunking myths around performing CPR

A woman performing chest compressions on a man laying on the ground with his eyes closed.

There are many beliefs or myths that can and do stop people from helping another individual in distress, such as cardiac arrest. In fact, seven out of 10 cardiac arrests happen in front of bystanders, however less than 20% of bystanders end up providing first aid.

A woman performing chest compressions on a man laying on the ground with his eyes closed.

Slips, trips and falls: How to stay safe in icy weather

Downward view of legs standing on ice

In many parts of the country, winter means icy roads and sidewalks.  With ice comes an increased risk of falls and injury. Here are some tips on how to lessen the risk of falls in icy conditions.

Downward view of legs standing on ice

10 tips to reduce common risks this holiday season

A string of colourful lights lying on the floor

Every year people fall off ladders while hanging decorations, cut themselves while wrapping presents, and trip over electric cables or toys left on floors. There are instances of children or pets swallowing small ornaments, and even electrical shocks from holiday tree lights. So, we’ve put together 10 tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe and merry over the holidays. 

A string of colourful lights lying on the floor

See your impact in action.

Sign up to receive impact updates from the Canadian Red Cross, inspirational stories from the field and be the first to hear about emergency relief efforts.

The Canadian Red Cross takes your privacy seriously. We do not distribute or sell your email address to anyone. View our privacy policy.

About The Blog

The purpose of this blog, quite simply, is to talk. This blog is an opportunity for Red Cross staff, volunteers, supporters and friends to share stories about what is happening in your community and the important work you are doing. It is a tool that will help keep all of us connected.

Blog Archives