We’re encouraging the public to spend just a few minutes learning a skill that could potentially save a life in support of World First Aid Day
Every year on the second Saturday of September, International Federations, Societies and Charities come together to mark World First Aid Day. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of how first aid saves lives every day, especially in situations of crisis. A first aid emergency can arise anywhere, at any time, and it’s vital that everyone has the confidence and basic knowledge to assist a casualty.
This year's theme is First Aid in the Digital World
Ever advancing technology is a huge opportunity for first aid, allowing us to educate faster and potentially further than ever before. From the basics to intensive learning to refresher courses around live-saving techniques; digital technology allows anybody, with or without internet access, to learn first aid.
The digital world allows you to brush up on your skills, share knowledge and learn with others all from the comfort of your own space, in your own time, at your own pace. It’s perhaps easier now than ever before to become a lifesaver!
“On average, internet users worldwide spent 397 minutes every day online in 2022.*”
Spending only a fraction of this time learning or improving your first aid skills could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.
Online e-learning modules
Our online e-learning modules cover a vast range of first aid and mental health topics. It’s free and easy to sign up, simply log in and get started. Check out our most recent e-learning modules and find our full range on the e-learning platform.
Our Videos
Our YouTube channel hosts a whole bunch of training videos showing you step-by-step the skills you might need including workplace, paediatric and sports first aid.
Advice
Our online first aid advice is free to the public. With 19 different topics to learn about, this is a quick and easy way to get started with the basics.
- How to do CPR on an adult - If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
- How to do the primary survey - Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and check the casualty for injuries that could be immediately life threatening. Find out what to do.
- How to use a defibrillator - By using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone's chance of survival. Learn what to do.
iDEA First Aid Digital Badge Launch
For World First Aid Day St John Ambulance has partnered with the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) to co-create a digital gamified way to learn first aid. The digital badge is primarily aimed at young people aged 12-18 who are not currently involved in St John Ambulance.
Sign up for the free award and complete the digital badge.
In this digital badge, you will learn how to:
- Perform a primary survey
- Respond to someone with a severe bleed
- Respond to someone choking
- Respond to someone who is unresponsive but breathing
- Respond to someone who is unresponsive and not breathing
Free Resources and Downloads
Our free resources are available to the public, use them at your disposal to share first aid knowledge. Having support at your finger tips in the moments that really matter is vital.
- Key Stage first aid lesson plans - Download our free first aid lesson plans and teaching resources for Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, and Key Stage 4.
- Free first aid apps - Get first aid advice at your fingertips with our life saving apps.
- Free first aid posters - Download our first aid posters for your fridge, staff room or school notice board.
