The IRFSS, created in 1950 and located in Bègles, is one of the training institutes of the French Red Cross. It covers the training of professionals in healthcare, social welfare, emergency assistance and professional risks. The French Red-Cross is both an association, with over 53 000 volunteers fighting precariousness for over 150 years, and a non-profit organisation with over 17 000 employees and 600 establishments in healthcare and social welfare training.