Refresher Advance First- Aid Course Provided Useful Guide To Save Lives

The Advance First-Aid Course & Refresher Course for Red Crescent trainers. 

From learning about using the different types of stretchers to transporting the victims to the ambulance.

 

Yg Bhg Dato Hj Md Rafiai, the Perak Branch Red Crescent Chairman officiated the course

A qualified nurse also a participant taught us how to do spiral bandanging etc. 

I have just returned from Ipoh.  It was a golden opportunity to be able to attend the refresher Advance First-Aid Course at the Perak Red Crescent Headquarters in Ipoh . The reason I loved to attend this course was because it was conducted by experts namely Mr Ng Ngoon Loy and dedicated doctors ; Dr Chin Gan Ghee, Dr Choo Kwong Foong and Dr Lau Kok Nin .  Am thankful to the RC Secretary, Mr Albert Quah too for sharing his knowledge and experience with us. It was a chance to meet my old friends, the Red Crescent trainers again. 

I was very lucky to enjoy the stay in the air-conditioned and comfortable room of the new Red Crescent Hostel .  I remembered before I had to sleep in the old office on a canvas bed, mostly alone as the other participants who stayed nearby preferred traveling to and fro.  I did not complain but appreciated it as this knowledge and experience was not easy to come by.  I did not get the opportunity to attend this first-aid course when I was younger except when I was studying in the secondary school in Penang. I realise if we teachers are not well equipped with first-aid knowledge and trained as an instructor, our pupils or students will be left behind.  Teachers should be qualified first-aiders and trainers and every three years they must refresh their knowledge.  I realise the importance of refresher courses as there are new knowledge and guidance and practical tips to be gained.  Especially in CPR techniques, one must get the latest information. 

It is not often that I get a chance to listen to the tips, talks and guidance directly from the experts.  Precious time is well spent and I am looking forward to attend two important related courses necessary for me to be a fully qualified trainer next year.  

Among the topics touched on were sports injuries, CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation or Basic Life Support , the skeletal system, the circulatory system, examining casualties and applying first-aid .  There were practical sessions on bandaging, transporting casualty and CPR too.  We even learned to make artificial blood and flesh.  I had learned a lot on emergency cases and how to handle patients with heart and asthma attacks, asphyxia, food poisoning, epilepsy and drowning. Other than these, we learned how to treat shock ,heat stroke, heat exhaustion, poisoning by gases, medicine and chemicals. The topics on fractures and bandaging the injured parts were interesting.  It is clearer now as I understand how my friend had a slipped disc and why I am feeling the pain at my joints. 

Besides, this course gave me a chance to ask questions to clear my doubts and  get some useful medical advice from doctors themselves.  I asked about gout and other common illnesses and got some tips on longevity too.  

I am relieved as I needn't have to sit for my test or do any presentation like the other trainers so I could leave a day earlier.  My certificate will be renewed.  I was very happy to see my hubby and grand daughter at the Wisma BSMM this evening when they came to fetch me home.  Next year, I hope to encourage many Red Crescent school teachers to attend the first-aid courses in the RC headquarters and the other older trainers to renew their license or trainer's certificate.  Hopefully, I'll be able to help conduct Red Crescent programmes for my members , the public  in the zone and district, especially on first-aid. Saving lives , relieving pain and giving first aid before sending a patient or casualty to the hospital or before medical aid arrives is very important.  Accidents and heart attacks are very common and they can happen anywhere to anyone.