The 19th century was a turning point for first aid. As wars raged and industrialisation surged, structured care became a necessity.
Napoleon’s battlefield surgeon, Dominique Jean Larrey, revolutionised wartime medicine. He introduced triage systems, mobile field hospitals, and ambulance wagons to quickly move the wounded from the frontlines.
In 1863, inspired by the horrors of war, Henry Dunant founded the Red Cross, creating a movement that prioritised impartial, accessible emergency care in times of crisis.
By 1877, St John Ambulance was founded in the UK to bring first aid training to the masses. The following year, they published the first UK first aid manual—a guide that marked the beginning of structured civilian first aid.
Innovation in Action:
These developments weren’t just military—they shaped civilian safety in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Puzzled Training today stands on the shoulders of these pioneers, delivering structured, accredited courses to ensure that everyone—from nursery staff to office workers—can step in when it matters most.