When preparing to travel to non-English speaking countries, most people learn a few helpful phrases like ‘Do you speak English?’ or ‘Where can I find a taxi?’.

Luckily, you do not need to learn another language to know how to access first aid equipment in different countries across the globe.

Thanks to the International Standards Organisation (ISO), there is a worldwide standard for first aid kit signs – signs that indicate the location of, or directions to, first aid or safety equipment and other emergency related facilities.

Continue reading to increase your familiarity with the universal first aid kit sign, and to subsequently ensure your safety while travelling abroad.

Why is First Aid Important?

Before we look at the importance of the universal first aid kit sign, it is worthwhile to understand the importance of first aid.

First aid refers to the immediate medical assistance provided to a person who has sustained a sudden illness or injury.

As well as being a job requirement for many Australian workers, first aid is a worthwhile skill for anyone who wants to look after themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community.

This is because first aid can mean the difference between life and death, as evidenced by its main objectives – the ‘3 Ps’:

1. Preserve Life: This includes assessing the emergency scene for any danger to yourself or others; determining whether the casualty is responsive; calling Triple Zero (000) for medical intervention; and, checking the casualty’s airway and breathing and commencing CPR as necessary. These steps are outlined in the DRSABCD Basic Life Support chart.
2. Prevent Deterioration: This includes maintaining the casualty’s condition by providing reassurance and the necessary first treatments for different injuries or illnesses, including burns, fractures, and seizures.
3. Promote Recovery: This includes encouraging confidence in the patient and relieving their pain, with an end to aid the recovery process.

It is worthwhile noting, first aid training works most effectively when paired with a well-stocked first aid kit.

To learn more about the meaning and importance of first aid, head to our Resource Library. From there, you can also book in a first aid course near you.

The Universal First Aid Kit Sign

As we touched on earlier, the universal first aid kit sign is designed to indicate where there is a first aid kit or other first aid people, tools, or facilities.

The universal first aid kit sign, otherwise known as the Green Cross, features a plain, square white cross on a green background (and sometimes vice versa). Green is the ISO colour for emergency and safety symbols, which is why it is also used for emergency exit signs.

You may see the first aid kit sign on other ISO symbols to show that the latter has a first aid or medical purpose, including eyewash stations and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). More information about universal first aid signs can be found in our Resource Library.

Final Thoughts

First aid skills and tools are vital for preserving life, preventing deterioration, and promoting recovery in the event of sudden illness or injury.

Accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone, and so it is important for people to know how to access first aid services and equipment while travelling abroad.

Luckily, there is a first aid kit sign used across the globe to indicate the location of a first aid kit or other first aid people, tools, or facilities.

This first aid kit sign is widely known as the Green Cross and, as the name suggests, it comprises a plain, square white cross on a green background (and sometimes vice versa).

Do you know what’s even better than knowing how to locate a first aid kit? Knowing how to perform first aid! To develop the skills and confidence to look after yourself and your loved ones while travelling aboard, book a first aid course with Australia Wide First Aid today!