Training in first aid held in Al Shamal

The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched the third edition of its “I Am a Paramedic” training programme with QR1mn funding from Ras Laffan Community Outreach Programme (COP).
The programme this year aims to provide schoolchildren from 19 schools with first aid training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, suffocation, bleeding, fracture, nosebleed, burn, eye injury, epilepsy, asthma, poisoning, victim moving techniques, and early trauma intervention.
According to QRCS, the programme has so far trained 188 students at five Al Shamal schools: Al Ghuwairia Primary/Preparatory Girls School, Al Thakhira Primary Girls School, Smeisma Secondary Boys School, Smeisma Preparatory Boys School, and Aldaayen Preparatory Girls School.
Noura Rashid al-Dosari, the executive director of QRCS’ Volunteering and Local Development Division, said that “I Am a Paramedic” is working for the third year in a row, in co-ordination with the host schools.
She added that QRCS is also planning to expand the programme to cover all schools in the region.
Describing the programme’s strategy, specialist medical trainer Daas Qasim explained: “From our experience in ambulatory and emergency activities, we found that members of the public often interfere wrongly, making things worse.”
“Sometimes, this may end up causing the death of the victim. That is why we pay particular attention to training people from different walks of life in life-saving first aid,” he added. “Among the fundamental skills required for everyone are calling the ambulance, giving clear and accurate information, and taking necessary measures to ensure stability of the case until the arrival of specialist medical help.”
As the programme’s sponsor, COP promotes first aid training as a pillar of its corporate social responsibility towards the benefit of various social groups.
COP, a partnership initiative by the major business corporations in Ras Laffan Industrial City, wants to reduce the impact of climate change, hold community-based dialogue, and implement public interest projects.