Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 13, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah is urging residents to take action this World First Aid Day by learning five essential lifesaving skills. Emergencies can happen at any time and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
“First aid is so important because it empowers people to step in and provide potentially lifesaving help before medical professionals arrive,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “In emergencies like cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding or burns, those first few minutes are critical. Knowing what to do can prevent complications, reduce the severity of injuries and even save lives.”
Five Lifesaving Skills Every Utahn Should Know
On World First Aid Day, these five first aid tips for emergencies serve as a reminder of practical and simple actions that can stabilize an injured person until professional help arrives:
These skills are simple to learn but can have a profound impact in an emergency.
Learn First Aid with the American Red Cross
The Red Cross of Utah offers a variety of first aid and safety courses designed for the general public, healthcare professionals and workplaces. Flexible learning options include in-person, online and blended formats, combining online coursework with hands-on skills sessions to teach how to respond to medical emergencies and care for adults, children and infants.
Courses include First Aid, CPR/AED training, Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers, First Aid for Severe Trauma, babysitting and childcare, and lifeguarding certifications. Local and online class options are available on the American Red Cross website. For information on available courses and to sign up, visit redcross.org/take-a-class.
Additionally, the Red Cross of Utah provides free Hands-Only CPR training for schools, workplaces and community or faith-based groups. To request a presentation, visit rdcrss.org/3KdoALo.
Stay Prepared with the Red Cross First Aid App
World First Aid Day serves as a reminder to download the free Red Cross First Aid app, which provides instant access to step-by-step instructions for common first aid emergencies, including CPR and AED guidance. The app is available in English and Spanish and is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps for more information.
About World First Aid Day
World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in September to emphasize the importance of first aid in saving lives. The day showcases how basic skills, such as performing CPR or controlling severe bleeding, can empower individuals to respond confidently in emergencies. Established in 2000, this global observance encourages communities and individuals to learn and share lifesaving techniques that can make a critical difference when every second counts.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
