First Aid Day

Today, and September 9th annually, is First Aid Day. The anniversary was chosen as a pun on the date, as 9/9 can be read kyukyu in Japanese, which is the word for emergency. This whole week is Medical Emergency Week. First aid is the immediate, initial care given to someone who is injured or ill, provided at the scene of an incident. It is usually carried out until an ambulance arrives. However, some First Aid organizations have their own ambulances and can also bring patients to the hospital. 

The main goals of First Aid are to preserve life and prevent an injury or illness from worsening. First aid can range from simple treatments to more complex procedures or interventions. Simple treatments for minor issues include such things as applying a bandage to a cut. More complex actions may include potentially life-saving treatment for serious emergencies. As the name suggests the aid is the first interaction with the patient until professional medical help can be administered. 

In my youth I was a member of the Order of Malta and my sister worked her way up through the ranks and became a volunteer ambulance driver. Its a fantastic organization. I don't think it is active in Japan, but the Japanese Red Cross seem to do something similar but on a much smaller scale. I am always surprised that volunteer First Aid associations and activities are not more prevalent in Japan, given the number of natural disasters annually. 

Have you ever taken a first course either in Japan or your home country?