Raipur, 13 September 2025: On the eve of World First Aid Day, observed globally every year on the second Saturday of September to highlight the importance of first aid awareness and training, Ramakrishna Care Hospital, Raipur, calls on every citizen to learn essential first aid skills, which can play a critical role in saving lives during medical emergencies.
First aid is the immediate assistance given to an injured or suddenly ill person until professional medical help is available. From road accidents and burns to heart attacks, choking, and fractures, timely and correct intervention can prevent complications, reduce recovery time, and often mean the difference between life and death.
“Emergencies rarely give us time to prepare. In the golden minutes after a heart attack, accident, or choking episode, the right first aid response can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. Unfortunately, studies show that only 1 in 10 Indians has received formal first aid training. At Ramakrishna Care Hospital, we believe that first aid should be considered as essential as basic literacy. Every citizen should know how to perform CPR, stop bleeding, or safely move an injured person,” said Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh, Sr.Consultant, HOD of Department of Emergency, Ramakrishna CARE hospital, President SEMI CG
India has made progress with large-scale awareness and training initiatives—millions of people have been trained in CPR and other life-saving techniques in recent years. Yet significant gaps remain. Studies show that nearly 73% of students and more than 50% of teachers have never received formal first aid training. Among commercial drivers—who are often the first to arrive at road accident scenes—only 1.2% had ever undergone formal training, despite most acknowledging its importance. These numbers highlight the urgent need for widespread and sustained first aid education across all sections of society.
World First Aid Day serves as a reminder that anyone can be a first responder. With greater awareness and participation, Ramakrishna Care Hospital envisions a society where every individual has the confidence and ability to save lives. With a dedicated and relentless emergency department, coupled with modern technology across key specialties, Ramakrishna CARE ensures timely, effective, and compassionate critical care for patients in life-threatening situations. Its 24/7 emergency and trauma services stand as the first line of response for critical cases across the region, and were recently recognised with the prestigious AHPI Award for Excellence in Emergency Services (2025).