Youths learn lessons in disaster preparedness
As we move deeper into the hurricane season, the issue of disaster preparedness moves increasingly from the theoretical to the practical. And as News 5’s Ann-Marie Williams discovered, all segments of Belizean society are being trained to deal with whatever mother nature may send our way.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Some ninety young people will over the next three days receive training in disaster preparedness, all in an effort to create a cadre of youths to be called on in times of emergency. Today thirty-five young people from Orange Walk, Corozal and Belize City converged on the Belize Institute of Management to learn first hand about cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR.
Nuri Muhammad, Co-ordinator, Youth for the Future
“They are being trained in responding to various emergencies, firstly at a hands-on level, CPR, how to deal with various types of injuries, how to respond as a co-ordinated team to emergencies. And basically, to help them respond to any need that NEMO or the Red Cross or any service that may call upon them during times of emergencies.”
And although they haven’t made a pledge, these young people have reasons why they have signed up voluntarily for the three-day training sponsored by Youth for the Future.
Rafael Castillo, Corozal
“I think that everyone has a civic duty as part of being a citizen of Belize. if you look at other countries, when they have a disaster you see how people always poor out in numbers to give a lending hand. I think Belizeans should do the same, it’s our country.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Are you prepared to leave your family and go to help the wider community if the need arises?”
Andrea O’Brien, Belize City
“Yes I am, because when you help you receive help and while I’m helping my family will also be receiving help from other people, so I will leave my family and go to help.”
During the interactive presentation conducted by the Belize Red Cross, the thirty-five youths were shown several ways to help a severely injured person.
On Thursday another thirty-five youths, this time from Dangriga, Punta Gorda and Cayo will undergo similar training in CPR. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
On Friday, all ninety youths will receive more training, courtesy of NEMO.
