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Nick Rondinelli and John Devlin were in their downtown Toronto offices on a spring day in late May, taking care of regular business responsibilities. Rondinelli was at his desk; Devlin was doing some paper work after teaching a first aid course when they heard a collision outside their window. A car and a scooter had collided head-on, propelling the rider several metres into the air. 

If you are celebrating the holidays with gifts, consider giving meaningful gifts that could save a life, or make an emergency situation much more bearable for a loved one or even a stranger.
Whether driving in snowy winter conditions or just being ready for everyday first aid emergencies, here are some gift ideas that will be sure to make an impact with your loved ones.

We wanted to know if you could help someone who was bleeding, choking, needed CPR, had an allergic reaction, or a mental health emergency. We worked with comedian Adam Growe to stage these scenarios on the street and invited passers-by to participate. The results is the video series First Aid on the Streets, launching this week on YouTube and Facebook.

It’s that time of year when many school sports are in full swing, along with minor hockey, basketball and many other activities. As parents and coaches, we cheer on our athletes, encourage them to give their best effort, congratulate them on the wins and console them after tough losses. But there’s another important role we can play on the sidelines to keep the play fun and safe for all young athletes.

Do you imagine drowning to be splashy and loud, with arms flailing and screams for help, as perhaps seen in a movie? If you thought you could hear if a loved one was drowning, you would be sorely mistaken. The reality is that someone could be drowning a few feet away from you and you wouldn’t know it – because drowning is often silent.

Cor Zandbergen has been helping people his entire life. In 1971, as an 18 year old, he joined the Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service in the town of Mackenzie, B.C. Since then, he’s been an active volunteer with the Vancouver Police Department, Vernon Search and Rescue, and of course the Red Cross. In fact, you would have to try pretty hard to find a time when he wasn’t volunteering to better his community.

Snuggle up with your favourite hot beverage and read these quick First Aid for cold weather tips to prepare yourself for the Canadian winter as it approaches.

The Canadian Red Cross is working with the Honduran Red Cross to help build their capacity as part of the CERA program. This program, with support from the Government of Canada, means that the Honduran Red Cross will be better prepared to respond to disasters and emergencies. Here are some ways the program is making a difference in Honduras.