This historical chapter explains the origins of the ICRC in Geneva immediately before and after 1863 and the organization’s very early activities. It goes into some detail about the two key founding fathers, Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier. The focus on two key persons gives flesh and blood to early developments for both the ICRC and the global Red Cross network that the ICRC initiated and helped structure. Religious origins are contrasted with secular evolution. Amateurism is contrasted with a quest for professionalization. Flexible decision-making is noted. Also mentioned are Genevan Exceptionalism and Swiss nationalism. This chapter allows a vivid contrast between the early ICRC and the organization it has become in contemporary times.

The ICRC was founded in 1863 and, in 1864, the first Geneva convention was created. It states that wounded and sick in armed conflict should receive assistance. They and the medical staff caring for them are protected by the emblem of the Red Cross, meaning that they must not be attacked.

War surgery is a major activity of the ICRC. From 1979, independent hospitals have been set up by the ICRC for wounded from conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Sudan, and more than 100 000 wounded have received treatment. Treatment is always free of charge and medical needs are the only reasons for admission, so both soldiers and fighters from different groups are treated.

Expatriate doctors and nurses are civilians, doing missions as volunteers and usually staying between three months and a year. Most come from Europe, but many are from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many have no previous experience of treating weapon wounds. Basic equipment is provided, but based on the long experience of ICRC, guidelines and treatment protocols have been created with the aim of saving life and limbs and rehabilitating the wounded. Even with these limited resources, hospital mortality is only 2.2–6.4%.