First Aid

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

Latest Posts

How to Use a Medical Emergency Information Tag

A person holding a Red Cross medical information tag. Photo: Canadian Red Cross

Staying prepared shouldn’t be complicated. A Medical Emergency Information (MEI) tag is a no-tech, no-fail tool that stores your critical health details and emergency contacts directly on your personal gear. It’s designed to help first responders and loved ones act quickly—even when you can’t speak for yourself.

How a Medical ID Helps Save Time in Emergencies

A hand holding the Red Cross Medical Emergency Information tag. A yellow hard hat on a workbench can be seen in the background. Photo: Canadian Red Cross

Being prepared can make a tremendous difference in an emergency. A Medical Emergency Information tag is a simple yet effective tool. It enables emergency professionals to make quick, informed decisions—which can help save lives. 

Climate-Related First Aid Questions Answered by a Red Cross Instructor

Person wearing a Red Cross Instructor shirt standing in a classroom speaking to two learners. Photo: Canadian Red Cross

As extreme weather events become more frequent in Canada, knowing how to respond in an emergency is more important than ever. From scorching heat waves to dangerous cold snaps, wildfires, and severe storms, climate change is increasing the risk of injuries and health complications. 

Why Psychological First Aid is the Key to Lasting Self-Care

A person working remotely at home smiles at the camera on his desktop computer while clasping his hands together. Photo: AV Unit / Canadian Red Cross

Self-care isn’t just about taking bubble baths or unplugging once in a while—it’s about building long-term habits that protect your mental and emotional well-being. One of the most effective tools for this is Psychological First Aid (PFA). It helps you understand stress, build resilience, and take control of your well-being every day.

Heroic CPR Rescue at Riding Mountain National Park

Bradley Bator holding a Red Cross Rescue Award certificate for life-saving at Riding Mountain National Park. Photo: Canadian Red Cross

In Riding Mountain National Park, where peace can meet sudden emergencies, Duty Officers — Reid Ahntholz and Bradley Bator — became real-life heroes. During a busy July weekend, they responded fast to a visitor’s cardiac arrest on Lakeshore Trail. Using CPR, an AED, and their skills, they saved a life. Their actions turned a tragedy into hope — a true testament to First Aid training.

Hamilton Hero Saves Life with Naloxone and CPR

Olga Brnardic being honored with the Canadian Red Cross Rescue Award.  Photo: Joan Savoie / Canadian Red Cross

Olga works as the receptionist at the Canadian Red Cross in Hamilton. Her day started like any other day until everything changed suddenly. She came across someone showing obvious signs of opioid poisoning, and she did not freeze or fear. Instead, she reached for something stronger: a naloxone kit.

How to Support Workout Buddies Through Tough Times

Two young people sit on the grass with their bicycles, talking while still wearing their helmets, as if taking a break from cycling. Photo: J. Keith Howie Photography

Many people who exercise regularly may also hide feelings of stress, managing anxiety, or emotional pain. They might appear fine on the outside, but they could be going through tough times inside. That’s why it's so important to unmask mental health and challenge our usual perceptions of what it looks like, especially in settings that seem the happiest on the surface.

Why Wilderness First Aid is a Must for Outdoor Professionals

A Red Cross instructor examines the circulation in a person's fingers after applying an arm sling, both in the wilderness. Photo: Lisa Petrole Photography

Working in remote or wilderness environments comes with unique challenges. If you work in a national, provincial or regional park, or in an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, or as a wildland firefighter, as a wilderness fishing or hunting guide, or as part of a search and rescue team, help may be far away.

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.

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