On 30-31st July, 12 Bougainville Copper staff located in Buka and Arawa underwent crucial first aid training as part of capacity building. Bougainville Copper recognises the importance of First Aid training for all staff, as the skills and key learnings staff took away from the training program can be utilised not only at work, but at home and in their respective villages.
The training session was run by a highly experienced Red Cross Buka branch who have conducted first aid training in numerous districts, constituencies and communities in Bougainville. The trainers shared their experiences about conducting first aid in Bougainville.
The Bougainville Copper team enthusiastically participated in all exercises, sharing their own experiences, ideas and knowledge of first aid. Not only was the team learning new skills, they also practiced team building exercises, cooperating in practical simulations.
The First Aid Training under Red Cross PNG, is part of a series of tools under their Disaster Management Program. A standard first aid manual compiled by Red Cross PNG called “Red Cross Pacific Region, Essential Emergency Care for First Aiders”, was issued to each participant. The manual includes all topics covered in the training and more.
Topics covered over the two-day training included:
Theory
• Overview and 3 Principles of First Aid
– Setbacks of first Aid
– Approaches to First Aid
– Hazards
• Primary Assessment (DRSABC)
• CPR
• Medical Conditions
• Bandages, Slings and carriages
• Bleeding/ Special types of bleeding
• Fractures, Sprains, Strains, Dislocations
• Poison, Burns, Scars
Practical
• CPR
• Bandages & Padding, Type of Slings,
• How to apply first aid to certain types of bleedings
• How to apply first aid to certain types of fractures, dislocation, strains, including carriages
At the end of the 2-day training session, the Bougainville Copper team’s knowledge was tested with a series of true or false questions. We are happy to announce that the team passed with flying colours. Each participant received a certificate in Basic First Aid which is valid for 3 years. Well done team BCL!