In order to strengthen the capacity of disaster response, from May 21 to 25, 2022, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) coordinated with experts from the Red Cross Society of Quang Tri province to organize first aid and rescue skills training for community support groups in 7 project communes in Gio Linh district. This activity is organized within the framework of the project “Empowering People with Disabilities” funded by Caritas Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
There were 36 members who are able people with disabilities, members of mass associations and others in the community with the expectation of gaining basic knowledge and skills in rescue and first aid; practicing group exercises; participating in support activities during the inclusive disaster response process in the coming time and building a response team on-the-spot.
Mr. Phan Thanh Vu from Trung Son commune shared: "My commune is often flooded in the natural disaster season, so my colleagues and I often come and support isolated households. As a result, accidents and injuries are innevitable. We have not trained fully yet to deal with those situations. However, from this training I learn how to resuscitate cardiopulmonary, how to properly handle fracture cases, how to properly bandage wounds and especially how to get the victim out of the unsafe zone. I will propose to the People's Committee of the commune to share this content more often in daily possible activities for other members in the response team to know".
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien from Gio Linh town: "What I’ve learned and practiced today is very practical. Previously, I only applied what I had learnt from experience or in a traditional way. But through this training, I know how to do it properly, and how to resuscitate the heart and lungs of the victims. I think it's inclusive way if PwD could also take part actively in disaster response as some of them have show their flexibility and skills plus good experience via group-work. I will share what I’ve learnt with other members in the rescue team."
Mrs. Ngo Thi Ai Le – Chairman of Gio My Women's Union shared: "I know that there are many activities to support people with disabilities provided by the project in my commune. Participating in first aid training and community support groups means a lot to me and other members, not only applicable in natural disasters but also in life. Proper first aid for the child as well as the adult can also help a person survive."
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hang from Gio Linh town: "Participating in the training helped me feel much more confidence. The knowledge is very useful such as how to provide first aid with open wounds, seal, bandage the wound or what should we do after first aid, etc. As a member of the local response team, this training is really helpful to me."
Mr. Ly Quang Vinh from Gio Quang commune: "This is an opportunity for us to learn because it is very practical. First aid to an injured person is very important, depending on ow severe it is that we could help with while waiting for medical staff to come. If there is an accident in natural disaster response process, we can help with. From the experiences and knowledge learned, I will propose to the commune people’s committee to organize more sharing and exchange meetings to get more people to know. “
Above are a number of sharing by the participants in the training which is held within the “Empowering people with disabilities” project funded by Caritas Australia and DFAT through SRD.
Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD)
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