While the country is battling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to train first aiders who can help reduce the strain on emergency medical services.

From January to October of this year, PRC has already trained 43,206 first aiders who are qualified in recognizing and treating a vast variety of injuries and illnesses that can occur at home and in the workplace.

“Basic first aid skills are very important and making it accessible to all is an important humanitarian act,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon. “It is, therefore, a crucial must,” he added.

As the COVID-19 pandemic overloads the country's medical systems, PRC said that trained first aiders have the skills that can help prevent someone’s condition from deteriorating whilst waiting for an emergency to come.

“During the pandemic, with restrictions and safety protocols, PRC is finding ways to reach more people and to fulfill the goal of having one first aider per household,” Gordon said.

PRC said that knowing when and how to give proper CPR can be the difference between life and death, especially during a pandemic. “We are encouraging everyone to be that first aid hero in your family, in your school, and your community,” he added.

The PRC-trained first aiders come from all regions of the Philippines with 13,918 trained in the National Capital Region, 5,401 in Northern Luzon, 4,138 in Central Luzon, 4,473 in Southern Tagalog, 1,869 in Bicol Region, 6,805 in the Visayas, and 6,602 in Mindanao.

PRC said This pandemic has made learning first aid quite challenging. Thus, the humanitarian organization has adjusted to the new normal by teaching this life-saving training online.

Those who are interested regarding PRC's first aid training course may contact the Safety Services Department via email [email protected] or [email protected].