First Aid Skill Demonstration: Promoting public awareness on first aid skills

Yangon Region Red Cross Supervisory Committee under Myanmar Red Cross Society organized a Demonstration on First Aid Skill at Thuwunna Stadium on Sunday.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein who is the Patron of the Supervisory Committee made a speech at the event, commemorating the World First Aid Day which falls on 9th September.

World First Aid Day annually celebrated on second Saturday in September all over the world. This year theme is “First Aid in the Digital World”. In Myanmar, First Aid Skill competition has been held since 2013, aiming to promote the first aid skills of the Red Cross members.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister assisted 4 million Kyats to the Organizing Committee.  

Chairman, Dr. Zaw Htay, Red Cross Supervisory Committee (YGN) said "We use to conduct three training courses for First Aid Skills such as basic, advance and instructor levels. Those who completed basic and advance level courses are allowed to take part in today’s event. They have to study and practice a lot. This event also aims to share the working processes of our society to the public. If so, our society can get collective support of the public and the role of red cross volunteers will be raised."

Altogether 305 Red Cross members from 37 townships in Yangon Region participated in the event which includes men/women individual, double and group demonstration. Moreover, the simulation drill is also included in the event for providing first aid service in the scene of accidents.

Member, Nwe Ei Kabyar Phoo, Botahtaung Township Red Cross Association said "I am a student and the reason of learning First Aid skill is for giving helping hands to others as well as for self-treatment in face of an accident. I participated in this competition aiming to get experience from others and to improve my first aid skill. I participated in shock position women individual event. We can gain many benefits by participating in this kind of competition."

Member, Khant Hein Htet, Kamayut Township Red Cross Association said "I inherited First Aid knowledge from my parents when I was young. When I grew up, I become one of the members of the Committee. I completed basic and standard level. I participated in this demonstration as a representative of Kamayut Township. I had many experience in providing first aid services to emergency patients. I want to learn more about first aid through this event."

This is an annual opportunity for everybody to promote and gain knowledge in first aid skill. Every year, the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies all around the world take this opportunity to engage with their communities through awareness activities promoting and celebrating the importance of first aid.