First Aid Training

Origin of First Aid

The history of First Aid dates back to 1792, when the French Army Surgeon General formed the first official army medical corps.

During the 1860s, the First Geneva Convention and the International Red Cross came into being to care for the sick and injured soldiers on the battlefield.

This was the result of the work initiated by Henry Dunant, after he witnessed the Battle of Solferino. The term “Pre-Medical Treatment” was later introduced.

In 1877, St. John Ambulance was established, further strengthening the concept of First Aid.
The founder of First Aid is Dr. Johannes Friedrich August Von Esmarch.
Every day, over 16,000 men, women, and children lose their lives due to injuries, and thousands more are permanently disabled worldwide.
In India, the number of road accidents is among the highest in the world. Many victims die before receiving medical help — about 30% of accident deaths are due to the lack of pre-hospital care. Timely First Aid can save lives until professional medical help arrives, though it is not a substitute for emergency services.

First Aid in Karnataka

The Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch has been conducting First Aid Training since September 2011 and has successfully trained over 25,000 candidates across the State. These trainings are aimed at equipping individuals with the essential skills to respond promptly and effectively in emergencies, thereby reducing the severity of injuries and saving lives.

The program covers a wide range of topics, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, fracture management, burns treatment, and handling medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. Training sessions are conducted for corporate employees, drivers, industrial workers, students, teachers, and the general public, ensuring that first aid knowledge reaches every section of society.

In addition to regular training programs, the Indian Recross Society, Karnataka State Branch also organizes awareness campaigns, refresher courses, and special sessions in collaboration with government departments, educational institutions, and private organizations. These efforts contribute to creating a safer and more prepared community, in line with the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.

Importance of First Aid

First Aid is the immediate medical attention given to a casualty for sudden illness, injury, or uneasiness before the arrival of an ambulance or a qualified medical person.

People have lost lives due to natural calamities, road accidents, industrial mishaps, and electrical or chemical accidents. With the rise of modern technology and hazards, First Aid has become even more essential.

Aims of First Aid

To Preserve Life

To Prevent the Condition from Deteriorating

To Promote Early Recovery

Objectives of First Aid

Provide Immediate Care
Maintain Vital Functions
Control Bleeding and Shock
Relieve Pain and Anxiety
Prevent Complications
Stabilize the Casualty
Encourage Safety Awareness

First Aider’s Responsibilities

Assess the situation quickly and calmly
Protect yourself and the casualty — never put yourself at risk
Identify the nature of the injury or illness
Give early treatment, prioritizing life-threatening conditions
Arrange for appropriate help (Call 108/102 or take the casualty to a hospital/clinic)
Stay with the casualty until medical help arrives

Guidelines for Conducting Certified First Aid Training

Training Fees & Duration

Fee: ₹1,000 per candidate
Factory/Companies: 3 days (16 hours total)
Individuals/Colleges: 8 days (2 hours/day, 16 hours total)
Certificates are issued by the National Headquarters (NHQ) within 5–6 months after the examination.

Pre-Training Requirements

Obtain a request letter from the company/institution
Inform the State Branch at least 10 days before the scheduled training
Maximum 30 candidates per batch

Documents Required

2 stamp-size photographs (passport size not accepted)
Aadhar copy
Father’s/Husband’s name
Candidate’s mobile number
PIN code of district & State code “29”
Training center name, training date & exam date
Company confirmation letter with candidates’ details, mobile numbers, company registration number, CEO’s seal & signature