Annual meeting of the First Aid Education European Network
Expert Associate for Health and Youth Engagementm, Red Cross of the Federation of B&H
Topic: First Aid Competition for children
Medina has been a Red Cross volunteer since childhood, with first aid as her first passion. Over the past 15 years, she has held various volunteer roles before taking the opportunity to become a professional. Today, she works on improving first aid guidelines, and implementing projects and initiatives in the fields of first aid, public health, and youth empowerment. She enjoys combining office work with field work, finding it both rewarding and impactful. Guided by the belief that “through service and compassion, we build strength”, Medina is dedicated to excellence, continuous learning, and making a real difference in people’s lives.
Project Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness and Response, Climate Action Focal Point, Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Topic: Strengthening Community Resilience Through Psychological First Aid in the Face of Climate-Driven Disasters
Layla Jusko is a dedicated humanitarian, passionate about community empowerment and long-term resilience. As Project Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness and Response and Climate Action Focal Point at the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, she works at the intersection of climate, disaster, and community-based action.
MD, Psychologist, Gestalt Psychotherapist
Topic: MHPSS/PFA in Emergencies and Disasters
Dr. Džana Kapić Herenda has been engaged with first aid since childhood, starting as a Red Cross volunteer. Over the years, she has organized and participated in numerous first aid competitions, while also contributing to the advancement of psychosocial support through program development and workshops with volunteers. Today, she serves as the President of the Assembly of the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Per aspera ad astra.” – This life motto reflects Džana’s journey and dedication: through challenges and perseverance, she has continually worked to strengthen both first aid and psychosocial support within the Red Cross Movement.
Health department deputy director (Spanish Red Cross)
Topic:
Fátima Cabello has been part of the Red Cross since 1995, beginning as an ambulance service volunteer and first aid trainer. Over the years, she has taken part in a wide range of activities, including international emergency missions through ERU deployments, gaining deep insight into the organization from multiple perspectives.
“Make yourself a priority. At the end of the day you are your longest commitment.” – This quote reflects Fátima’s belief in resilience and self-care, values that have guided her long-standing dedication to the Red Cross and to humanitarian service.
Senior Public Relations Officer
Topic: Henry the Bear: collection of educational fairy tales for children on the topics of first aid
Matic Slapsak is a father, writer, reader, and passionate communicator with over 20 years of experience in public relations and event management. Known for his creativity and love of books and music, he brings imagination and unpredictability into his professional and personal life.
? “The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye. The story of love is hello and goodbye, until we meet again.” – This quote by Jimi Hendrix reflects Matic’s human approach to storytelling and communication: a deep awareness of life’s fleeting moments and the connections that give them meaning.
Title: Managing Director, Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG (part of the Swiss Red Cross)
Topic: Effectiveness and efficiency in teaching first aid skills in public schools
Reto Abächerli has been leading the Swiss Lifesaving Society (part of the Swiss Red Cross) for many years, where he strongly advocates for evidence and effectiveness to guide decisions within the RC/RC Movement, especially in the field of first aid education in schools.
“With great power comes great responsibility.” – This guiding principle reflects Reto’s belief that powerful organizations like the Red Cross and Red Crescent carry responsibilities that go far beyond brand positioning, calling for a focus on impact, evidence, and meaningful outcomes.
Cees van Romburgh
First Aid Guidelines Specialist
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on FA Education
Cees van Romburgh has been a First Aid Guidelines Specialist with the Netherlands Red Cross since 2010 and also contributes as a content reviewer for the IFRC’s international guidelines. Volunteering at the Red Cross has been part of his life for over 40 years — first as an emergency response coordinator, and later as a first aid instructor.
“Be Prepared.” – This timeless motto captures Cees’s philosophy and lifelong dedication to readiness, ensuring that individuals and communities are equipped to respond effectively to any emergency.
Marcus Aust
First Aid Advisor, FAEEN Steering Committee Member, International First Aid Attestation Representative
Topic: Impact of Climate Change on First Aid Education
Marcus Aust is an intercultural bridge builder, a passionate first aider, and a dedicated educator. As he said he is deeply connected with both symbols – the red cross on a white background and the white cross on a red background – he brings people together through his commitment to service and learning.
Guided by the belief that “life’s what you make it,” Marcus approaches his work with optimism and purpose. This outlook shapes his dedication to ensuring that first aid education continues to adapt, thrive, and empower communities in the face of global challenges.
Natalia Momeñe
Área de Conocimiento de Educación, Spanish Red Cross
Topic: Application for Locating AEDs
Natalia Momeñe Zapatero is a Training Specialist in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid at the Spanish Red Cross. With her expertise in MHPSS, she has led psychosocial interventions in emergencies, forced migration, and gender-based violence contexts. Since 2023, she has also been a dedicated member of the FAEEN Steering Committee.
Her life quote - “There are no facts, only interpretations,” embodies Natalia’s approach to humanitarian work: in complex situations, appreciating different perspectives is essential for creating interventions that truly address people’s needs.
Jeffrey Pellegrino
Associate Professor & Akron Community Engaged Scholar (ACE), Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Topic: Research & Advocacy in First Aid vs. Climate Change
Jeffrey Pellegrino is a passionate educator who bridges academic expertise with community action. Through his work in emergency management and homeland security, he inspires others to see first aid not only as a skill, but as a vital tool for building resilience in the face of climate challenges.
“My own self, at my very best, all of the time! To achieve this motto, I am lifted by others at their very best. Together we will then make our world a safer and healthier place for us all to live.” – This guiding principle reflects Jeffrey’s collaborative approach to education and humanitarian work: by striving for excellence within himself and lifting others to do the same, he fosters stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.