World First Aid Day is observed this Saturday, September 13, with the theme First Aid and Climate Change. To explore how the two are connected, Fiji Red Cross Society first aid trainer Viliame Taufa Cocker explains that disasters linked to climate change—especially flooding—have made quick, effective first aid more vital than ever.
Taufa, who has trained communities across the Western Division for eight years, notes that this year alone he has conducted sessions in six communities and certified about 180 people. The common thread across these places is their vulnerability to flooding, a risk intensified by climate change. Flooding is not only about rising water; it brings dangers such as drowning, injuries from debris, and exacerbation of chronic health conditions. For children, older people, and persons with disabilities, these dangers grow even more acute. “That’s where first aid comes in,” Taufa emphasizes. He sees a direct link between climate-driven disasters and the need for citizens who can respond in the crucial first minutes before professionals arrive.
Globally, the risk is staggering: about 1.47 billion people—nearly 19% of the world’s population—are directly exposed to flooding during extreme, one-in-a-century events. In Fiji, a nation with many coastal and riverine communities, these numbers translate into lived realities with every cyclone or heavy rainfall. Climate change is no longer a distant issue; it is shaping how communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.
In response, the Fiji Red Cross Society is expanding its first aid training to reach more people. The aim goes beyond teaching how to treat cuts or bruises; it is about building resilience so communities can act quickly and effectively when climate-driven disasters strike. First aid, in this framing, becomes a frontline defense that strengthens collective safety, fosters preventive behaviours, raises environmental risk awareness, and boosts confidence to act when lives are at stake. This work aligns with the Red Cross mission to Keep Humanity Alive, a reminder that humanitarian action relies on people helping people.
The push for stronger readiness also feeds into broader activities and events, including the Fiji Red Cross Ball 2025. The ball is not just a formal evening; it’s a rallying point for support that enables training more people, extending reach to the most vulnerable, and sustaining preparedness efforts.
The Fiji Red Cross is part of a global movement that numbers around 17 million volunteers and has celebrated more than 160 years of service. In Fiji, the society has a long-running role—more than 70 years—in disaster relief, healthcare, and community education. The organization’s emphasis on local leadership, volunteerism, and community-led responses remains central as climate challenges grow more frequent and severe. Youth engagement is a growing strand, with Junior Red Cross and other programs designed to empower the next generation to lead disaster readiness and climate resilience.
Recent on-the-ground efforts in Fiji reflect this multi-pronged approach. In Tavua, for example, FRCS and youth partners mounted a climate- and health-action drive, including a mangrove-planting initiative intended to fortify coastline defenses and curb dengue breeding. The project demonstrated how protecting ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship can be part of building community health and safety. Elsewhere, FRCS branches continue to monitor flood-affected areas, distribute Hygiene and Dignity Kits, mosquito nets, and other essentials, and urge residents to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea appear.
The overarching message is clear: first aid training is a practical, scalable way to save lives now and strengthen resilience against a warming, more unpredictable climate. It complements other climate adaptation and health initiatives, from youth-led environmental action to robust disaster preparedness campaigns. By supporting ongoing training, volunteering, and partnerships—such as those reinforced at the Fiji Red Cross Ball—communities can respond faster, recover quicker, and protect the most vulnerable when climate change intensifies.
Summary: World First Aid Day highlights the critical tie between first aid and climate resilience. In Fiji, trained communities stand better prepared to respond in minutes after disasters, reducing casualties and long-term harm. Through expanded training, youth involvement, ecosystem-based resilience like mangrove planting, and broad-based support, the Fiji Red Cross Society is working to Keep Humanity Alive and help communities navigate a climate-changed future with confidence.
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