Training women in first aid gives them the skills to respond quickly in an emergency. This builds their self-confidence and allows them to play an active role in the safety of their family and community. Having understood this, the Red Cross, Local Committee of Tengrela (Ivory Coast) in response to the invitation from the NGO Youth in Action for Development (JADE), trained, from January 20 to 23, 2024, 120 women from CAFET centers to the notions of community first aid.
First Aid trainers with the 1st group of women – Photo credit: JADE with permission for publication.
Why training in first aid concepts?
The need was there
Ouattara Aimé – Trainer
“In the fields and often in the markets or even at home, we encounter rats, snakes, scorpions. Often an object can cut us or thorns pierce our flesh. We suffer, we cry, it eventually passes. There are even deaths or deformations. »says Mrs. Awa Sangaré. “Last time, I fell while passing on the little bridge. My arm came off my shoulder. I dragged my hand into town. It was hot. » says Abi Koné, seller of fagots. While making these remarks which reflect the daily life of women in the North, laughter broke out in the class.
Based on these testimonies, Mr. Ouattara Aimé and Coulibaly Zié, trainers at the Local Red Cross have started a series of training courses for women in CAFET centers on first aid concepts. To the numbers of the 8 modules, we could count: what to do when faced with a victim who is choking, what to do when faced with a victim who is conscious and breathing, what to do when faced with an unconscious victim who is not breathing, what to do when faced with hemorrhages, injuries , bandaging, cardiac massage and release. This tailor-made training taking into account the realities of the listeners’ activities was well received. According to Mr. Ouattara, trainer: “We felt the need was there. Some women even thought that we were only used to cover football matches and political activities. We will come back. »
First Aid trainers with the 2nd group of women – Photo credit: JADE with permission for publication.
Training in first aid concepts. And after ?
In accordance with its objectives, this second monthly workshop based on the notions of community first aidintegrated into the literacy program of the Women’s Literacy Center (CAFET)aims to better empower women on the routes of their activities.
JADE benefits from a grant from the US Embassy to help women be independent in their activities. At its end, the women involved will have to know how to read, write and count, but above all be better organized. The program, placed under the supervision of the Literacy Advisor of IEPP Tengrela, has 5 instructors including two women who teach 120 listeners equipped with complete learning kits.
It should be remembered that the next workshop will be held at the end of February 2024. This next workshop will focus on sexual and reproductive health, as well as family planning. It will be led by midwives and nurses from the department.
First Aid trainers with the 3rd group of women – Photo credit: JADE with permission for publication.
In conclusion
In short, the NGO Youth in Action for Development (JADE) aimed to train these women in first aid concepts to help create safer, more resilient and balanced communities. They become key players in protecting the life and health of all. These women can then raise awareness among other members of the community and promote safety practices.