From 8 to 10 October 2015, the Luxembourg Red Cross will be welcoming 56 representatives from 35 of its sister societies as part of the international congress First Aid Education European Network (FAEEN).
This event, taking place in Kirchberg, allows experts from around the world to meet and share their experiences in the field of aid and this year the theme will focus on first-aid training to strengthen the resilience of communities. The development of first-aid training, the presentation of past techniques as well as the organisation of training provided by the national societies of th Red Cross and Red Crescent will therefore be at the heart of the meeting.
"We are very proud to be the host society of the 2015 edition and during the EU Presidency," stated Dr. Guy Loos, President of the Volunteer Committee of the Red Cross Relief Services. "This is an opportunity for us to establish our knowledge of first aid, to raise awareness of the actions which save and above all to move forwards together in the field of education in first aid".
The conference, which this year will also feature specialised exhibitors presenting their cutting edge technological equipment, was initiated by the European first aid training reference centre, found in 1996. Following a considerable development in Europe in 2012, and at the request of national societies outside of the zone, the reference centre has grown to an international scale and annually brings together experts in the field of first aid.
The Luxembourg Red Cross believes that every citizen should have an understanding of basic first aid, and for this reason has provided first aid courses in fourteen cycles of two hours. Classes are given by volunteer first aid instructors, providing access to paramedic training with the chance of joining the ambulance service as a volunteer. Besides training for individuals, the Luxembourg Red Cross also offers introductory courses on first aid to companies as well as refresher courses for those who have already completed the basic course.
In 2014, the First Aid Training service saw 2073 people in total trained within 106 courses, reflecting an increase in demand for first aid actions. Compared to 2013, the service organised thirteen additional courses representing 187 more individuals trained.
Photo by Luxembourg Red Cross.
