With the aim of leading communities to be first aid-ready amid the COVID-19 challenges, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has resumed first aid and basic life support training.
The PRC Safety Service issued its guidelines in holding first aid and basic life support training to avoid any COVID-19 transmission. It also called on participants to observe health precautionary guidelines.
Aside from being mentally and physically fit, only those 50 years old and below are allowed into the course.
Persons with heart and respiratory problems, immuno-compromised and/or pregnant are advised not to participate. Likewise, PRC is highly vigilant with participants who exhibit flu-like signs and symptoms.
For the instructors and volunteers, Red Cross upholds a “No or Incomplete PPE, No Training” policy. There is Pre-Training preparation. During the training proper, physical distancing at all times is maintained.
The PRC set an interim qualification during this time of pandemic to prevent the possible exposure of any individual to COVID-19 risks.
The Safety Services also coordinated with local authorities to ensure that the training venues are inclusive for the people to be trained, conducive and well ventilated for training. “We observe these precautions to ensure that we contain the virus while helping others,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Senator Richard Gordon said.
As the training began to roll out among the chapters, PRC Safety Services hosted the first webinar session titled “COVID-19 First Aid Adaptations” in light of the 2020 World First Aid Day themed with Adapting First Aid Practices to the Pandemic last week.
Two webinar sessions will also follow in this month. Speakers from Safety Services and Welfare Services will discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on first aid management and mental health of frontliners, individuals, families, and communities.