World First Aid Day: Survival rate increases by 70%

The Director of the First Aid Training Center, Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen, who made statements regarding World First Aid Day celebrated on the second Saturday of September each year, emphasized the vital importance of knowing first aid, highlighting that it increases the survival rate by 60-70%.

World First Aid Day has been celebrated on the second Saturday of September every year since 2003 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to raise awareness in society about the life-saving power of first aid. Celebrated in 188 countries, World First Aid Day is supported by various activities aimed at increasing the awareness of the community regarding first aid training. Additionally, a different theme is determined each year, and this year’s theme is “First Aid in Sports.”

Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen, the Director of the First Aid Training Center at Altınbaş University, also made important statements, drawing attention to the life-saving importance of first aid. She emphasized the necessity for every individual in society to receive first aid training, stating that first aid consists of non-medicated interventions made with available tools and equipment until professional medical help is provided. Çevirgen emphasized that the primary aim of first aid is to eliminate the life-threatening condition, prevent the victim’s situation from worsening, and facilitate recovery, stating, “A correct first aid intervention in an accident or emergency can save lives. First aid is necessary in every aspect of life, and everyone should be knowledgeable about it.”

“50% of sports injuries are due to personal errors”

Reminding that the theme of World First Aid Day 2024 is “First Aid in Sports,” Çevirgen indicated that injuries that may occur during sports can be controlled with appropriate first aid interventions before they reach serious dimensions. Çevirgen added, “Sports are beneficial for our physical and mental health, but if adequate preparation is not done while exercising, injuries may be inevitable. We know that 50% of sports injuries are caused by personal errors. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone participating in sports to have knowledge of first aid.”

First aid increases the survival rate by 70%

Çevirgen stated that first aid is vital not only in sports injuries but also in situations like traffic accidents, natural disasters, sudden heart conditions, and home accidents. She expressed that the survival rate in emergencies like heart attacks can significantly increase by 60-70% with the correct first aid intervention, stating, “Awareness of first aid can save lives in cases such as drowning, poisoning from smoke, injuries from sharp objects, and home accidents. Unfortunately, one-third of emergency service applications stem from home accidents. In such cases, first aid applications are inevitable.”

Social awareness of first aid is essential

Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen from Altınbaş University pointed out that correctly applied first aid can not only save lives but also reduce the seriousness of injuries and speed up the recovery process. She concluded her statements by saying, “It is vital for everyone to receive first aid training and to gain this awareness. The power of first aid increases the chance of survival.”