# Global first aid awareness and training initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-first-aid-awareness-and-training-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-12T04:05:11.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. In observance of World First Aid Day, medical experts and international organizations are emphasizing the critical importance of widespread training to save lives during emergencies. Emergency and disaster expert Salih Acar notes that individuals arriving first at a scene, such as a traffic accidents, must prioritize personal safety, secure the environment, and call emergency services before assessing victims. Experts continue to warn against common misconceptions that can exacerbate injuries. Dr. Serdar Yaşar specifically identifies five errors: applying substances like toothpaste to burns, tilting the head back during nosebleeds, attempting to revive unconscious persons with water or slapping, placing objects in the mouths of those having seizures, and giving water to someone choking. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement maintains that first aid remains a core activity. Recent discussions also highlight the heightened vulnerability of aging populations, who face increased risks from chronic conditions and may encounter difficulties accessing care during natural disasters or conflicts. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Johanniter urge citizens to refresh first aid skills Marking International First Aid Day, the Johanniter urge citizens to refresh outdated medical training and debunk common emergency myths to ensure effective response during accidents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/johanniter-urge-citizens-to-refresh-first-aid-skills ### 2026-09-10: World First Aid Day highlights importance of training and correct emergency response On World First Aid Day, experts urge the public to undergo training and avoid common medical errors, such as applying toothpaste to burns or tilting heads back during nosebleeds, to ensure effective emergency 응 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-experts-warn-of-common-first-aid-errors-on-world-first-aid-day --- Cite as: Global first aid awareness and training initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-first-aid-awareness-and-training-initiatives