FIA & IFRC come together for cooperation on post-crash care

08.05.14
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for closer cooperation on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (8 May 2014).
FIA President Jean Todt and IFRC President Tadateru Konoé

Above photo: The FIA President Jean Todt was hosted by the IFRC President Tadateru Konoé at the IFRC headquarters in Geneva for the official signing of the agreement.

A new partnership with an initial focus on strengthening cooperation on post-crash care was agreed between the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today. FIA President Jean Todt was hosted by the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Tadateru Konoé, at the IFRC headquarters in Geneva for the official signing of the agreement which took place on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (8 May 2014).

Improving post-crash care is the fifth pillar of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Increased responsiveness to post-crash emergencies and the ability of health and other systems to provide appropriate emergency treatment and longer term rehabilitation for crash victims, is an essential part of the road safety strategy outlined for the decade which aims to reduce the 1.3 million fatalities and 50 million serious injuries which occur on the world’s roads every day. Without action, these numbers are predicted to rise to 2 million fatalities and 80 million serious injuries by 2020.

To mark the occasion of World First Aid day, taking place on 13 September 2014, the FIA and the IFRC will promote joint initiatives during that month with their member clubs and national partners worldwide aimed at:

  • raising awareness on the importance of first aid knowledge in order that victims of road accidents receive immediate care;
  • organising first aid ‘snack’ training courses in public areas to increase the knowledge among all drivers;
  • creating first aid materials and documentation to be used in FIA clubs’ driving schools.

In addition to First Aid oriented activities, the FIA and the IFRC will promote joint initiatives on child safety, in support of the Third UN Global Road Safety Week which will take place in May 2015.

“The Red Cross Red Crescent is the world’s largest humanitarian network, and has developed alliances in the promotion of road safety over the past two decades to save lives, by changing mindsets and behaviours for better road safety practices,” said Bekele Geleta, Secretary General of the IFRC. “Through our partnership with the FIA, we will be able to connect the FIA’s member motoring organizations with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide so that together, we can increase awareness of the importance of safe road practices and learning life-saving skills such as first aid.”

FIA President Jean Todt said: “I am delighted we have reached this agreement with the IFRC, an organisation which shares our values and also our commitment to safer roads. Post-crash care is a key element of any effective road safety strategy. We can benefit greatly from the expertise and network of outstanding Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, while also helping to further increase public understanding of First Aid through our automobile clubs worldwide and the FIA Action for Road Safety Campaign.”

FIA President Jean Todt presented IFRC President Tadateru Konoé with an FIA Action for Road Safety helmet. Wear your helmet is one of the FIA’s 10 Golden Rules for Road Safety available here: http://www.goldenrules-fia-michelin.com.

Pieter Venter, CEO Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), Jean Todt, FIA President and Tadateru Konoé, IFRC President