Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in situations where First Aid could have made the difference. First Aid is an important initial step towards providing quick and effective action that helps with recovery; can minimize further injury and it can save a life; First Aid training helps build confidence when in an emergency situation. Through prevention and preparation, early recognition, providing First Aid, and knowing how to respond to specific situations; will provide a better chance to a victim while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.
CVTL First Aid has continued to develop the skills and knowledge of volunteers, staff, and the community to help care for people when injured all become suddenly ill. And CVTL needs to continue to develop our skills as trainers with regular refresher training for our trainers. are always opportunities for volunteers from time to time. First Aid Training has always been major activity of Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Red Cross – CVTL) since the beginning of our National Society.
CVTL Dili Branch, held a three-days training about basic First-Aid to the volunteers, from 23 until 25 of August 2023.
The main objective of this training:
- To improve the knowledge and skills of the volunteers regarding the introduction of First Aid, principles of emergency action, psychological First Aid, basic life support, trauma, medical condition, environment, transfer techniques, dangerous situations and incident of the command system; and
- To increase the number of trained First Aid volunteers in Timor-Leste.
CVTL hopes that with this training, participants understand how to think and act quickly in an emergency situation. They learnt how to perform appropriate techniques, presentations, practical demonstrations of techniques, discussion and ending with a complex multi-accident simulation. Importantly, that the participants are confident to apply First Aid skills when facing an emergency situation. A pre and post-test is done to gauge the level of learning and understanding of the training.
During the training, participants shared knowledge and experience, but also how to work in a team, and be coordinated and professional as first respondents. They learnt how to use local materials to provide assistance when responding, if they did not access to appropriate equipment.
The training was facilitated by the First Aid Trainers from CVTL Dili Branch, and was opened by the Vice President of Dili Branch, Mr. Luis Araujo and accompanied by the First-Aid Manager Ms. Elisabeth Glorita Belo and Dili Branch Coordinator Ms. Martina Mendonca. Funding for this training comes from ICRC.
