This report is released on the occasion of WFAD 2009. Although it focuses on first aid activities in Europe, many of its recommendations also apply to the rest of the world.

As well as advocating first aid's basic gestures for saving lives, the IFRC strongly believes that first aid should not only be accessible to all - including the most vulnerable but also be an integral part of a wider developmental approach This approach focuses on prevention in order to build safer and more resilient communities.