The concept of organised care for the injured was firstly inspired by the Battle of Solferino in 1859. It was here in Northern Italy that the Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed thousands of Italians, French and Austrian soldiers at battle. As he bear witness to the death and destruction, Dunant organised to provide aid to the wounded soldiers which later led to the creation of the International Red Cross.
Thereafter, we can see a timeline develop:
1878 - The St. John Ambulance Association was established in England to provide first training for industrial workers, mainly those in the mines and railways.
1881 - The American Red Cross was founded, promoting First Aid education in the US.
1908 - The Boy Scouts incorporated First Aid into their training, emphasising its importance for youth.
WW1 (1914 - 1918) - Techniques advanced slightly, with a focus on battlefield injuries and mass casualties.
1960s - Introduction of modern CPR techniques which revolutionised First Aid.
1970s - EMS Systems were being introduced globally ensuring faster medical responses. Including the introduction of 999 and 911 as emergency numbers.
1981 - UK Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981: First law of its kind which required employers to provide first aid equipment, facilities and trained individuals.
1990s - Public AED Access: AED's became more publicly available in airports, train stations and more.
2000s - First Aid was introduced in Schools and establishment of Mental Health First Aid
Conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan reintroduced and improved tourniquet use and developed haemostatic dressings.
2007 - Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007: Employers can be held accountable for failing to ensure first aid preparedness that results in severe injury or death.
2009 HSE First Aid Changes: Updates clarified workplace first aid requirements, emphasising tailored risk assessments to ensure sufficient first aid provision.
2024 - Martyn's Law, or Protect Duty, is new UK legislation aimed at enhancing public safety and the prevention of terror attacks. Includes better staff training and risk assessments.