Every May 8th, World Red Cross Day is celebrated, an opportunity to recognize the work of all those employees and volunteers who save lives and change minds. Created as an institution to care for the war wounded, it adopts the emblem of a red cross as a protective symbol, seeking the obligation to respect medical services in favor of any wounded in battle, on a neutral basis. Even more so when the services were often provided by volunteers.

The cross does not respond as many think to religious reasons, but because it appeared on the Swiss flag, the country of origin of Henry Durant, an eyewitness on the battlefield of the suffering of the wounded who desperately fought against death; who supported the organization since its beginnings. So it was proposed its creation in the 1864 Geneva Convention.

Except for the detail that in Islamic countries, the change of the red cross for a crescent, also red, was approved. For this reason, the official name is the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement.

On July 21st, 1932, the date was set as Camaguey Red Cross Day, which over the years became a true relief organization by expanding its range of functions.

Thus, in its actions in the territory, the Family Reunion Agency is opened, the first steps are taken in the dissemination of International Humanitarian Law, the aquatic security and the lifeguard brigades are reorganized. The Project, Public Relations and Youth Red Cross fronts are also constituted.

In their relationship with institutions, they maintain a close one with the Birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay, a sociocultural project of the Office of the Historian of the city.

Every summer it offers the opportunity to partcipate in its first aid workshops for a safe and protected summer, in order to educate our children in accident prevention and preparation in case of natural disasters.

Topics such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, choking maneuvers and types of bandaging, promote interaction between the participants with elements that are used when offering first aid. Primary care techniques are applied and the procedures to be followed in different cases are disclosed.

Stretching and bandaging means, immobilization forms, among others, are also presented. All practiced with the help of the educational game “Riesgolandia”.

A true attraction and option for our children who are better prepared for life, and become aware of the important role of this organization.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García