Why You Need to Know the First Aid Symbol

Many people don’t realize just how powerful pictures can be, especially the first aid symbol. Though there are many variations of this design, the first aid moniker is easy to recognise no matter where you are. And this is a good thing. Here are the reasons why you need to know the first aid symbol so that you can identify it easily.

What Does the Symbol Look Like?

If you’re unfamiliar with the first aid symbol, it looks a lot like a cross or a plus sign with equal-length lines. This symbol can be found in a variety of colors, though it is seen most often in red and white (with the lines being red and the background white) or in blue and white (with the arms in white and the background in blue). If you go to the American Red Cross site, you will be able to see what the sign looks like and how it is used in various parts of the world.

Finding Help When You Need It

When you don’t have a map readily available, being able to recognize the first aid symbol is crucial to your safety – especially when you are traveling. Since cities will post signs to their local first-aid clinics and hospitals, you need to be able to discern these from other signs that might be posted. Look for these signs along main roads in the area or along highways and express routes.

Drawing for Help

If you can’t find the signs that include the first aid symbol, you might want to draw this symbol in order to get others to point you in the right direction. By saying ‘hospital’ and then showing locals the symbol, you should be able to get to a medical facility quite easily. You might want to draw out this symbol ahead of time to have it in your wallet or purse for easy access and for an easy display to others you might call upon for help.

Other Versions of the First Aid Symbol

You might also recognize the symbol for first aid with green and white colors – green for the background and white for the cross itself. Or the blue and white colored symbol can have the snake symbol from medicine illustrations. Individual hospitals and medical professionals also have their own first aid insignia that can help you determine their ability to help you.

When it comes to helping you, the first aid symbol can alert you to medical facilities as well as to find medical personnel in a crowd – no matter where you are.