World First Aid Day
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. World First Aid Day 2026 is on Saturday, September 12. It is held every year on the second Saturday of September.
Emergencies can happen anywhere: at home, at work, outdoors, on the road or in your community. First aid skills can help you stay calm, take action and care for someone until professional help arrives.
This World First Aid Day, take one step to be more prepared. Learn first aid, refresh your first aid skills, download the Canadian Red Cross First Aid App, or check your first aid kit.
What is World First Aid Day?
World First Aid Day is a global awareness day held every year on the second Saturday in September. It reminds people that first aid skills can help save lives, reduce injuries, and build safer communities.
The Canadian Red Cross marks this day by encouraging people in Canada to learn practical first aid skills, find trusted training, and feel more ready to act in an emergency.
Why First Aid Matters
When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, the first few minutes are crucial. You do not need to be a health care worker to help. With the right training, you can learn simple steps that may make a real difference.
First aid training can help you:
- Know what to do in an emergency.
- Stay calm and take safe action.
- Help someone until emergency personnel arrive.
- Build confidence to care for family, friends, and people nearby.
- Support a safer and more prepared community.
First aid builds confidence to act in everyday moments, from caring for small cuts and scrapes to stepping in when a situation becomes life-threatening.
Learn skills that can help save lives. Find a first aid course near you.
5 Ways to Take Action on World First Aid Day
You do not have to do everything at once. Start with one simple action.
1. Take a first aid and CPR course
Training helps you build the skills and confidence to help when someone needs care. A course gives you the chance to practice and learn from an instructor.
2. Download the First Aid App
The official First Aid App of The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) gives you quick access to essential first aid tips. Keep it on your phone to maintain your first aid and CPR skills.
3. Check your first aid kit
Look at your home, car, workplace or travel first aid kit. Replace expired items and restock supplies you have used.
What should be in your first-aid kit?
4. Review first aid tips
Small steps can help you feel more ready. Review what to do for common injuries and emergencies, then share what you learn with others.
5. Talk about emergency preparedness
Have a quick conversation with your family, friends, or household. Talk about who to call, where to go and what to do if an emergency happens.
Learn 4 steps to be better prepared
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!
World First Aid Day Frequently Asked Questions
Basic first aid skills include how to:
- Recognize an emergency
- Prepare to respond
- Use the Check, Call and Care method
- Give CPR and use an AED
- Help someone who is choking
- Control bleeding
- Care for common injuries