World First Aid Day: Survival Rate Increases by 70
Making statements about World First Aid Day, which is celebrated on the second Saturday of September every year, First Aid Training Center Director Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen stated that knowing first aid is vital.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been celebrating World First Aid Day on the second Saturday of September every year since 2003 to raise public awareness of the life-saving power of first aid. Celebrated in 188 countries, World First Aid Day is supported by various activities to promote first aid training and raise public awareness. In addition, a different theme is determined every year, and this year's theme is “First Aid in Sports”.
Altınbaş University First Aid Training Center Director Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen also made important statements by drawing attention to the life-saving importance of first aid. Emphasizing the necessity for every member of the society to receive first aid training, Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen stated that first aid is non-medicated interventions with existing tools and equipment until professional health assistance is provided. Emphasizing that the main purpose of first aid is to eliminate the danger to a person's life, to prevent deterioration of the injured person's condition and to facilitate recovery, Çevirgen said, “The right first aid intervention in an accident or emergency can save lives. First aid is necessary in all areas of life and everyone should have knowledge on this subject.”
“50 percent of sports injuries are caused by personal mistakes"
Reminding that the theme of 2024 World First Aid Day is “First Aid in Sports”, Çevirgen stated that injuries that may occur during sports can be taken under control before they reach serious dimensions with appropriate first aid intervention. “Sports are beneficial for our physical and mental health, but without adequate preparation, injuries may be inevitable. We know that 50 percent of sports injuries are caused by personal mistakes. Therefore, it is of great importance that everyone who plays sports has first aid knowledge,” he added.
First aid increases survival rate by 70 percent
Çevirgen stated that first aid is vital not only in sports injuries but also in cases such as traffic accidents, natural disasters, sudden heart diseases and home accidents. Stating that correct first aid intervention in emergencies such as heart attacks can increase the survival rate by 60-70 percent, Çevirgen said, “First aid awareness saves lives in cases such as drowning in the sea, smoke poisoning, sharp instrument injuries and home accidents. Unfortunately, one third of emergency room applications are due to home accidents. In such cases, first aid applications are inevitable.”
Social first aid awareness is a must
Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen from Altınbaş University stated that correct first aid can save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and accelerate the healing process, and added: “It is vital that everyone receives first aid training and gains this awareness. The power of first aid increases the chances of survival.”