The Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) is organising a series of activities to commemorate World First Aid Day on 12th September 2026, under the sub-theme “First Aid for the Mind: Be There, Listen, Support.”
Every year on 12 September, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commemorates World First Aid Day, highlighting the importance of first aid and encouraging people to develop the knowledge and confidence to help others in times of need.
This year, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) has teamed up with the Seychelles Police to commemorate the day. The collaboration focuses on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and the importance of supporting emotional and psychological wellbeing during emergencies and difficult situations.
Police officers are among the first responders in Seychelles, regularly exposed to accidents, violence, disasters and other traumatic incidents. While providing assistance to victims, they may also be exposed to situations that can affect their own emotional and psychological wellbeing.
As part of the commemoration, the RCSS will conduct an introductory session on Psychological First Aid for a team of approximately twenty-five (25) Seychelles Police officers, comprising personnel from the Investigation Team, Administrative Officers and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The venue will be confirmed as soon as possible.
The session will introduce participants to basic PFA principles and practical ways of providing initial emotional and psychosocial support to people experiencing distress, while also highlighting the importance of supporting the wellbeing of first responders themselves.
Through this initiative, the RCSS and Seychelles Police aim to reinforce the message that first aid is not only about treating physical injuries. It is also about recognising distress, listening with compassion and providing appropriate support.
The campaign will also include live interviews on SBC Paradise FM and Radio Sesel, awareness messages and updates on RCSS social media platforms and website, as well as a dedicated World First Aid Day section on the RCSS website featuring information on PFA and the 2026 theme.
RCSS volunteers will also feature in a series of short sound bites sharing simple messages on Psychological First Aid and the importance of being there, listening and supporting people experiencing distress.
Through these activities, RCSS aims to remind the public that first aid goes beyond physical injuries and includes caring for the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those affected by emergencies, including the first responders who help them.
