Dear Editor,

Annually, a considerable number of individuals worldwide sustain injuries and perish as a consequence of disasters. Such disasters are frequently extreme occurrences to which vast numbers of people are exposed, resulting in injury, loss of life, damage to property, and the disruption of livelihoods. Furthermore, the impact of such events is increasing on an annual basis, affecting an ever-growing number of individuals and the infrastructure on which societies rely.Reference Koçak¹ The Sendai Framework for International Disaster Mitigation posits that while public awareness can enhance the ability to cope with disasters, the significance of effective management in reducing the adverse impacts of disasters cannot be overstated.² In this context, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of individuals in relation to disasters affect their resilience at each stage of the disaster. Therefore, awareness-raising is required. In this regard, given the increasing frequency of disaster risks and damages globally, disaster literacy is a key issue that demands attention.

Disaster literacy encompasses the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes essential for effective coping with disasters. It is a crucial element in comprehending, advocating for, and providing assistance to these endeavors. The term “disaster literacy” is defined as “Disaster literacy is people’s capacity to access, understand, appraise, and apply disaster information to make informed decisions and following instructions in everyday life concerning mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from a disaster to maintain or improve quality of life during the life course.”Reference Çalışkan and Üner³ In addition to disaster literacy, it is essential to enhance the knowledge and abilities related to public health emergencies, which constitute a pivotal aspect of the community’s response to disasters. This is particularly crucial in the formulation of disaster preparedness and response strategies.Reference Gao, Chen and Lin⁴ In this context, it is acknowledged that first aid, which constitutes an essential component of national disaster plans in many countries, represents a crucial instrument. The provision of first aid in cases of acute illness or injury prior to hospitalization enables the affected individual and those in their vicinity to maintain vital life functions.Reference Zideman, Singletary and Borra⁵ It is ensured that individuals are informed about the health risks and hazards posed by disasters and that awareness is raised about interventions through first aid training. Furthermore, first aid training can enhance community awareness of the risks posed by disasters and facilitate preparedness.

Consequently, incorporating emergency and disaster-related topics into first aid curricula can enhance disaster response capacity and disaster literacy. The knowledge of first aid instructors can be enhanced through disaster literacy studies to encompass the disaster phenomenon that causes accidents and injuries. However, enhancing disaster literacy within first aid training programs is not merely a matter of educational improvement but holds significant importance for societal resilience. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to disasters, we can mitigate the devastating impacts on lives and communities. Therefore, the integration of existing first aid studies and the disaster literacy framework is vital to face future challenges.