BiH hosts the FAEEN meeting: First aid in the era of climate change

Annual Meeting of the European First Aid Education Network (FAEEN) Held This Week in Sarajevo: First Aid in the Era of Climate Change

The annual meeting of the European First Aid Education Network (FAEEN) is taking place this week in Sarajevo, bringing together experts and organizations to discuss the growing impact of climate change on first aid education.

Extreme weather conditions — from heatwaves and floods to wildfires — are becoming increasingly common, causing health problems and loss of life. As a result, first aid training is more important than ever. The meeting, under the patronage of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and hosted and co-organized by the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is focused on the theme “Climate Countdown – Time for Action.” The emphasis is on how climate change is reshaping the way we approach first aid education.

"No country can respond to climate threats alone. Only by connecting can we build strength that transcends borders and transforms shared vulnerability into shared resilience. Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to be part of that response," said Dubravka Bošnjak, Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who officially opened the meeting.

Over the course of the four-day event, participants will engage in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and simulation exercises to exchange best practices and develop new strategies for medical emergencies caused by climate change. The meeting also serves as a reminder that individuals and communities are part of the solution in building safer and more resilient societies in the face of climate change. Through education, collaboration, and preparedness, we can respond more effectively to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

FAEEN brings together national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from over 40 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Among the participants are representatives from the Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as well as numerous partner organizations and first aid education experts.