Skip to content
Français

World First Aid Day

September 13, 2025

Two professionals demonstrating first aid techniques on a medical training doll.
Photo: AV Unit / Canadian Red Cross

Every September, the Canadian Red Cross celebrates World First Aid Day with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the global community.

This year’s theme, “First Aid and Climate Change,” shines a light on the growing impact of extreme weather events—such as floods, wildfires, and heatwaves—and the essential role first aid plays in building safer, more resilient communities.

Find a course and get prepared today

Why Climate-Responsive First Aid Matters:

Climate change is reshaping how we prepare for and respond to emergencies. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters are putting more people at risk of injuries, trauma, and delayed access to care.

From heatstroke to hypothermia, smoke inhalation to stress-related panic—first aid is often the first and only response until help arrives.
 

Did you know?

The Global First Aid Reference Centre reports that first aid training not only reduces illness and death but also boosts community resilience.

  • In areas with first aid education, preventable deaths can decrease by as much as 40% in Southeast Asia and West Africa.
  • From 2000 to 2019, heat caused about 489,000 deaths annually worldwide.
  • Additionally, 19% of the world’s population faces flooding each year.
  • Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths among older adults have risen by 167%.

Be prepared. Learn the skills that save lives.


Get Involved in World First Aid Day

There are many ways to participate in World First Aid Day and help spread the word about the importance of first aid training and CPR:

Together, we can create a safer community where everyone is ready to respond in an emergency. Let's make World First Aid Day a day to remember, year after year!

Ready to make a difference?

Take a first aid or CPR class with the Canadian Red Cross. You can learn lifesaving skills for emergencies. Sign up now!

Explore more about World First Aid Day, first aid training, and injury prevention with the Canadian Red Cross. Together, we can ensure that every community is equipped to handle emergencies and keep everyone safe year-round.