PH Red Cross unveils blended learning program for first aid, basic life support

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has launched its first aid and basic life support blended learning at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center in Mandaluyong City.

PRC's learning programs aim to reach "everyone, everywhere, anytime" by combining digital and face-to-face learning methods, keeping with this year's World First Aid Day theme of "First Aid in the Digital World."
 

“First aid education—which is crucial for school-age children and adults alike—is now just one device away. The blended learning programs help our vision of having a trained first aider in every family,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon explained.

The launch was held on Oct. 17 as part of the PRC's extended commemoration of the World Food Aid Day, observed among the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement worldwide on the second Saturday of September.

A digital and skills station was also featured where attendees could get a hands-on introduction to blended learning first aid.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang commended the blended learning program as a practical and approachable learning method.

“First aid is a humanitarian act. We want our fellow Filipinos to be empowered to provide first aid in situations of crisis. That’s why we invite schools, workplaces, homeowners’ or condominium associations, and other communities to partner with us in training more Filipinos and giving them the confidence to provide first aid,” Pang said.

First aid programs

The following government-accredited first aid training courses are offered year-round nationwide across PRC's 107 chapters for a minimal fee:

First Aid and Basic Life Support with Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Swimming and Water Safety, Accident Prevention, Technical and Basic Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Courses.

PRC has so far trained 120,570 first aiders from Jan. 1 to Oct. 15.