Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) - Al-Khor recently conducted a number of activities and events for the local community in the Al Shamal (north) region.

This was done in close co-operation with different institutions and civil society organisations there, while ensuring effective alignment of internal resources to ensure the maximum benefit for the public.

The branch organised or participated in several events and initiatives, including medical, spiritual and family lectures, community publications and exhibits, as well as cultural, social and recreational activities.

The most prominent activity was resuming the “I am a Paramedic” programme with a first-aid training course for the teaching and administrative staff of Al Khor Independent Primary School for Girls. For eight training hours over two days, the course was attended by 56 teachers and administrative officers.

The trainees received diverse experience and knowledge, including background information about QRC and basic training in first-aid, surface water rescue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; how to deal with cases of suffocation, bleeding, injury, fracture, burn, epilepsy, poisoning and heat exhaustion; and effective techniques of moving injured people.

The participants expressed happiness at being part of this course, thanking QRC for its role in such activities. QRC representatives received a “thank you” certificate for their continued efforts in service of the Qatari society.

Rashid bin Saad al-Mohannadi, director of the Al Khor branch, said: “The current ‘I am a Paramedic’ programme builds upon the success of its 2008-2009 version, which was planned to train students of 20 Doha independent schools in first-aid. The initiative of Ras Laffan Community Outreach Programme (COP) to sponsor the programme encouraged us to repeat it in view of its significant benefits for the people of Al Shamal region.”

According to al-Mohannadi, “I am a Paramedic” aims to reach out to 4,500 Al Shamal students during 2014-2015. “We chose Al Khor Independent Primary School for Girls to begin with in light of their constant co-operation with us. Here, I should thank everyone who contributes to such a project, notably COP, the programme’s sponsor,” he noted.

He also thanked Oryx GTL for funding the publication of “The Prepared Child” brochure of the “Safe School” programme.

In addition, the Al Khor branch organised a first-aid training course for women at Al Khor Girls Centre. Twenty members of the centre attended the course over two days for four training hours a day.

The branch’s staff also provided medical coverage for the Al Shamal U-17 jet ski competition, which drew wide public attendance.

In co-operation with Al Khor Girls Centre and Children’s Literature Centre, the branch hosted a workshop titled “Creativity in Mathematics”, delivered by instructor Mohamed al-Baloushi to 25 students and teachers.

Currently, the Al Khor branch is participating in the Kashta3 Exhibition, organised by Simaisma Youth Centre from October 18-25, under the auspices of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.

After he opened and toured the exhibit, HE the Prime Minister visited QRC’s corner and had an overview of its activities and role in raising community awareness and promoting volunteerism. He also watched QRC’s ambulances and medical workers securing the event’s staff and visitors, conducting public medical examinations for free and distributing QRC publications.

Marking the beginning of the camping and hunting season in Qatar, this popular event shows diverse products of young Qatari people pertaining to desert safari and sea cruise equipment.

Sultan al-Kuwari, chairman of Simaisma Youth Centre, praised the participation of QRC and described it as an indispensable source of public awareness and information.