The manual provides specific, practical information enabling first aiders to care safely and effectively for people caught up in armed conflicts and other situations of violence, such as internal disturbances. It complements manuals used routinely in peacetime and gives advice on helping affected communities to be more self-reliant.

Experience has shown that prompt life-saving and stabilizing measures can prevent medical complications, ease surgical procedures and reduce the risk of disability. It has also shown that appropriate first-aid training helps communities and organizations prepare for crises and deal with them more effectively.

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, their International Federation and the ICRC have developed considerable expertise in the fields of emergency prevention, preparedness and response. Together, they provide a unique, worldwide network of first aiders and health professionals who are active in disasters and conflicts and who deal with everyday physical injuries and psychological trauma as well. By demonstrating that "people help people," first-aiders set an example for all.

The new manual addresses both the general management of crises and specific aspects such as how to deal with different types of injury or with mass casualties. It also provides guidance on the role of first aiders, their rights, their duties and the skills they need to cope with the turmoil, suffering and confusion caused by violent events. It covers the rules and laws protecting individuals caught up in such events and discusses the specific hazards of today's conflicts, the impact of certain weapons and the consequences in humanitarian terms of the collapse of health-care services and the lack of food, water and shelter in crisis situations.

The publication, which draws on field experience and general practice, is the result of wide consultation. It includes pocket-sized flash cards and a CD ROM with information on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its work and its key publications and documents.

The manual is available in English and can be ordered from the ICRC. French, Spanish and Arabic versions will be available by the end of 2006.