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We took a moment to talk to some mental health advocates about the importance of integrating mental health into first aid. 

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

When we see someone experiencing a medical emergency we know first aid can be a life-saving measure, but what if we saw someone experiencing a mental health emergency such as depression or suicidal behaviour?

As a young teenager, I remember the thrill of finally being old enough to babysit younger children in the neighbourhood, but I also remember the fear. Not only did I have to keep young minds entertained for hours on end, I had to be able to properly care for these young kids, and it was solely my responsibility.

Recent humanitarian emergencies around the world have some people asking if there are any limits to war. Well, there are – and those limits are governed by International Humanitarian Law.

In Gambia, one of Africa's smallest countries, rain-fed subsistence agriculture is the main livelihood for the majority of its population of just under two million people.  An especially poor rainfall in 2011-12 resulted in the majority of the Gambian population not having enough to eat. The Red Cross responded to this emergency with the support of the Government of Canada. A “twin-track approach” was used which ensures people have the food for immediate survival, as well as a supply of good quality seed and fertilizer to meet future needs.

It’s an unavoidable part of the year, full of used tissues, cups of tea, and daytime TV. Now that I’ve had my share of colds and the flu, I feel like I’ve learned my share – here’s the top five things I’ve learned about having the flu.

Spending time outside is a big part of many Canadians’ winters, but there is need for precautions to make sure everyone stays warm and avoids a cold-related emergency. What’s a cold-related emergency? When a person is exposed to cold temperatures it can cause their body temperature to decrease.