Everyone has a responsibility to ensure safety and have basic knowledge about emergency care for people who suffer from health conditions or accidents.
Some healthcare instructors stated this at the just concluded three-day First Aid Training organized for Journalists, by International Committee of the Red Cross, in conjunction with the Nigeria Red Cross Society.
The training, targeted at equipping journalists, considering the hazards of their job, was held on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The training themed “First Aid at Work Course” is a routine exercise by the Nigeria Red Cross Society to educate journalists, especially in the face of the current insecurity.
Head of Training and Resource Mobilization of Nigeria Red Cross Society, Mr. Audu Goji said with the rate of violence and insecurity, everyone needed to have an idea of rendering emergency care to those in adverse health conditions.
Mr. Goji added that due to experiences of newsmen on the field, as well as in the office, there was need to equip them with emergency care skills
“We want the journalists to do advocacy and also learn about First Aid so they can help others, when they are carrying on with their jobs” he stated
Another instructor, Mr. Alfred Eguabor stated that apart from educating journalists on the need to be responsive to emergencies, the training would also serve as an advocacy for organisations to equip staff on basic first aid procedures.
He pointed out that “When an emergency happens peoplthust quickly rush the victims to hospital, but there are certain help you can render so that the condition does not get worse before you get to the hospital”
Earlier in an address, Spokesperson / Public Relations Officer, Mr. Aliyu Dowobe, said the organisation aimed to trtea journalists throughout out the country.
Participants in the training were drawn from various media organisations.
Some of them who expressed confidence on their ability to handle emergency at work and home, said they hope to pass on the knowledge to colleagues and family members.
According to Martin Badru of News Agency of Nigeria, it was an enlightening exercise.
” I learnt how to control bleeding, and also how to care for those who suffer from unconsciousness caused by diabetes or fainting. I also learnt how to deal with poisons” he said
Highlights of the event was a simulation exercise for the journalists and a presentation of first aid kits to participants.
