International First Aid Day

ORANJESTAD – International First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of September. 

In 2026, it took place on September 12. 

This day serves as a reminder that the first minutes after an accident or health emergency are crucial, and that the first person on the scene can make the difference between life and death.

In an emergency situation, we cannot simply wait for ambulance personnel or doctors. The first aid you provide in those initial, most critical moments sets the course for a person's recovery. 

For example:

  • Knowing how to stop severe bleeding;
  • Knowing what to do when someone is choking;
  • Knowing how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

All of these are fundamental skills that everyone should have.

Having a complete and easily accessible first aid kit at home is the responsibility of every household. 

A well-stocked kit should contain:

  • Bandages of different sizes and sterile gauze;
  • Medical tape and splints;
  • Disinfectant (such as rubbing alcohol or povidone-iodine);
  • Latex or nitrile gloves;
  • Ointment for minor injuries and basic pain relievers.

Knowledge is power, action saves lives

Beyond simply owning a kit, it is essential that family members know how to use the contents and how to react calmly when a health crisis arises. Learning basic first aid is an investment in the safety of your loved ones and your community.

You do not have to be a doctor or a nurse to make a significant impact. With a little knowledge, the right kit at home, and the courage to act, anyone can be a hero and save a life.

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International First Aid Day