Olusegun Haastrup
The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has frowned at the use of its emblems indiscriminately by unaffiliated bodies.
An official of the ICRC, Mr. Daniel Edobor stated this during a workshop organised for newsmen in Lagos.
According to Edobor, the red cross signage which is the official signage of the ICRC has now unfortunately become poster for some medical related businesses like pharmacies and hospitals.
“The emblems are indicative, we have the bigger ones which are for protective uses, we advise that people should stop abusing the emblem of the red cross. It is used by the red cross family medical services,” he added.
Public Relations Officer for International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, in Nigeria, Mr. Aliyu Dawobe, in a remark said exposing journalists to first aid procedures was important as many had in the cause of duty, sustained injuries, and in worst scenarios, lost their lives.
Mr. Dawobe noted that to address some of the challenges, the ICRC, together with the Nigerian Red Cross Society has put together the First Aid training session aimed at strengthening the capacities of journalists in addressing prehospital injuries.
He said ” we realised that information is as important as giving people food, and the people who are expected to give the information are the journalists. Training the media on first aid who are working in the humanitarian space are trained on how to manage injuries. This will help reduce casualty and preserve lives during the occurrence of crisis or accidents”.
The Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross, in Lagos, Mrs. Adebola Kolawole at the opening of a First Aid training, said the programme is targeted at media professionals, whose job puts them at varying risk of harm or injuries.
According to her, the organisation recognises the role the media plays in providing key information during armed conflicts and other situations of violence, as well as the safety challenges linked to reporting during times of conflict.
“We are doing it for you media, so you can collaborate with us, make it more public that red cross is available” she stated.
The Nigeria Red Cross reiterated the need for everyone, irrespective of field or level of education to have knowledge a first aid procedure.
The society pledged its commitment to the sensitization of the public on healthy living, calling on organisation to inculcate in their staff members , first aid training, which could be handy in times of emergency in the office.