About the Canadian Red Cross
Our Mission
We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.
Our Network
The Canadian Red Cross Society is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This network includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable throughout the world.
Our Vision
The Canadian Red Cross is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate their caring for others in need.
Our Values
Our actions and decisions will be based upon:
- Humanitarian values, as expressed in our Fundamental Principles
- Respect, dignity and inclusiveness
- Integrity, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency, and adaptability
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Quality and safety
First Aid Educational Philosophy of the Canadian Red Cross
Injury reduction is complex. It requires a collaborative approach involving stakeholders from across diverse communities and disciplines. Within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, we focus on helping people and communities in need by mobilizing and harnessing the power of humanity. Assisting people to understand how injuries can happen and the strategies to reduce them, combined with education on the latest first aid skills and knowledge, increases confidence and ultimately increases people’s ability and willingness to act in an emergency.
First aid as a practise should attempt to prevent further suffering, protect life, and promote recovery. First aid training should support people and communities to care for others whether or not they are certified First Aiders, and provide individuals with the confidence to:
- Recognize illness or injury
- Provide care
- Recognize personal limitations and to access more advanced care
To properly transfer knowledge and increase confidence, we focus the curriculum on the learner’s needs and interests. The safe, enjoyable, meaningful, co-operative aspects of our learning environments help build the learner’s understanding and confidence.
Canadian Council for First Aid Education (CCFAE)
Comprising dedicated volunteers from across Canada who are experts in their respective fields, the CCFAE interprets the science on which our programs are built, advises on program design, collaborates on national and international initiatives, and helps to raise the profile of evidence-based education and programs. Learn more information on CCFAE members.
Opioid Harm Reduction (OHR) Advisory Council
Our Opioid Harm Reduction (OHR) work is guided by an advisory council of subject matter experts, including people with lived and living experience of substance use and their families and friends (LLEAFF), peers, advocates, and community members.
The OHR Advisory Council strives to provide direction and perspective that will inform effective interventions that will closely match the needs of underserved populations across Canada.
The fields of expertise among our OHR Advisory include education, community health, pre-hospital care, and in-hospital care. Our team's diverse knowledge, perspectives, and qualifications ensure that our learning solutions are accurate, respectful, meaningful, and appropriate for learner audiences. Learn more information on the OHR council members.