Background

The Southeast Asian region is no stranger to a myriad of challenges, from natural disasters to public health emergencies and humanitarian crises. In the face of such adversities, the First Aid services provided by our National Societies play a vital role in saving lives, alleviating suffering, and building resilient communities. Recognizing the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration, this First Aid Network Meeting has been envisioned as a platform for pooling our collective expertise and experiences.

The First Aid Network brings together Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) representatives from South-East Asia (SEA), IFRC and ICRC to discuss collectively supporting to achieve the First Aid Vision 2030. This network was formed as a decision from the 19th Southeast Asia Leaders meeting, hosted by Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society in Bandar Seri Begawan in 2022, which also agreed on Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society as the first chair of the network. The decision included a commitment by all leaders to invest in development of Southeast Asia National Societies capacity and resources in First Aid through peer-to-peer learning and support as well as scaling up Southeast Asia National Societies capacity in community first aid and continuing to invest in the development of commercial first aid, including utilizing digital platforms.

In October 2023, the 1st Southeast Asia First Aid Network (SEAFAN) took place in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam with the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent hosted the meeting as the 1st chair of the network. The meeting resulted in several priorities where the network will focus on strengthening and supporting knowledge on first aid programming within Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Southeast Asian region to align and achieve the IFRC First Aid Vision 2030, which reflect the two focus areas: 1) Physical First Aid (under GFARC guideline) and 2) Psychological First Aid (under Asia Pacific MHPSS Training and Learning Collaborative guidance). This vision aims to enhance the capacity and reach of first aid services, making them more accessible and effective in saving lives and reducing injuries in different context of populations. Each National Society will continue promoting and prioritizing the first aid program and services within their respective country. The network focuses on following activities to accomplish this objective such as (1) Knowledge sharing and best practices, (2) Capacity building and training, (3) Advocacy and policy development, (4) Research and development, and (5) Digitalization and innovation. Based on the joint-resolution endorsed by the participants in the 1st SEAFAN Meeting, it is agreed that the 2nd SEAFAN will be hosted by Indonesian Red Cross. This decision was taken with some considerations that Indonesian Red Cross will be the host of Red Cross Red Crescent Southeast Asia meetings in 2024.

Objectives

The primary aims of this meeting are to continue the commitment and collaboration in implementing the 2nd Annual Southeast Asia First Aid Network Meeting hosted by the 2nd chair, Indonesian Red Cross. The meeting will seek to monitor and evaluate the progress of the network action plan on the agreed joint-resolution, further, to work collectively towards strengthening First Aid Capacity in Southeast Asia. During the meeting, we will define specific outputs to shape the future of our First Aid Network in Southeast Asia:

• Facilitate lessons-learned sharing and best practice from National Societies’ successful First Aid program.
• Promote exchange innovative ideas on digital transformation for first aid programs.
• Cultivate new partnerships and strengthen existing collaborations within the region to contribute to RCRC First Aid Vision 2030.
• Participate in shaping Southeast Asia’s strategy and action plan that will drive collective progress in First Aid Network.
• Outline and define First Aid Network priorities for 2025.

Related Documents:

• Concept Note (including Agenda)
• Practical Information
• Joint Resolution – 2nd SEAFAN Meeting

Presentations:

• Outcome Report on BWN Joint Resolutions – SEAFAN 2023
• BRC Commercial First Aid
• SEAFA Learning Hub 2024

Photos:

• SEA First Aid Network Meeting