World First Aid Day was observed here on Saturday, like other parts of the world including Pakistan, to promote the importance of first aid training in preventing injuries and saving lives. World First Aid Day was celebrated by ordinary people and volunteers who provide first aid that can make the difference in everyday crises.
Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Pakistan Medical Association, Multan chapter, NGOs and civil society took part in the awareness campaign for the first medical aid. PMA president Dr Rao Shahid said that 152 years ago, a battle in northern Italy sparked an idea that has since changed the world. On June 24,1859, Henry Daunt, a young Geneva businessman, witnessed horrifying suffering and agony following the battle of Solferino. The need for humanitarian action is still as vital today as it was in 1859. He said that first aid had saved the lives of 67 percent people as it reduces deaths, injuries and impact not only in disaster but also in daily emergencies. It provides immediate response to an emergency, taking lifesaving measures until professional help arrives.
First aid used to be recognised as the domain of medical and paramedical personnel.Today, all experts recognise that even the layman must be trained in first aid because it is effective in saving lives, improving the chances of survival and minimising the consequences of a road crash or heart attack.
Spearheaded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world's leading first aid providers, the key message of the World's First Aid Day is that all people are more or less vulnerable but they have the capacity to learn and to provide first aid to save a life. The theme for 2011 is 'First Aid for all' to raise public awareness on first aid and injury prevention. First aid reduces deaths, injuries and impact not only in disasters, but also in daily emergencies.