Red Cross increase number of first aid instructors
First Aid: It’s the type of training you seldom think about to be enrolled in and when it becomes necessary it’s always too late. A cross-section of teachers, nurses and members of the public are making sure too late will not be their cry! Here’s the story.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The Belize Red Cross, on the heels of a major disaster, has found it necessary to increase the numbers of qualified First Aid instructors in Belize by utilizing the services of instructors from the larger American Red Cross, to conduct the training sessions.
Heather Woodson, Instructor, American Red Cross
“This is a training class for people who have had basic level first aid and CPR training, to train them how to take those skills and share them with the communities, basically we’re training them how to be instructors. They already know the basic level skills and we’re giving them an opportunity to learn how to teach that information. They have chances to practice giving a lecture on an assigned topic.”
Participants of the course included members of the Police and Fire Department as well as the Belize Defence Force. Fifteen-year veteran of the BDF, Carolyn Tillett, says that the experience is mainly to sharpen her skills.
Carolyn Tillett, BDF Soldier
“What I am doing right now, I am doing at my work. I usually teach first aid to recruits and other soldiers. But it’s just like a refresher course for me right now.”
Benisford Matura, Fireman
“Im in this training to get more knowledge about first aid and how to administer it. I will take this to my department. When there is an emergency, the Fire Department, the police and BERT respond to it. And if we’re the first one there especially for the traffic accidents, we can start offering assistance to the victims.”
Sarita Westby, Teacher
“I usually work at a shelter in Belmopan, and sometimes we don’t have enough medical personnel there, so we need to have some knowledge about first aid. So if anything happens at the shelter we will be able to take care of it.”
Though we hope there is no immediate need for their skills at least we know that in case of another natural disaster like Hurricane Keith, there will be able individuals ready to come to the rescue. Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
In related news, the Belize Red Cross has opened an appeal for the earthquake victims in El Salvador. If you would like to contribute to the effort, deposits can be made at the Belize Bank, account number 505 6933, Barclays Bank account number 103 9131 or Red Cross office located at the corner of Gabourel Lane and Handyside Street. Cheques must clearly mark “Salvador Victims”. Only monetary donations are being accepted due to difficulties in getting goods through the port.
