Legislators receive first aid training course

Legislators receive first aid training course.

By Letwin Mubonesi

Members of Parliament have received first aid training course in Kariba last Friday from the Zimbabwe Red Cross to acquire knowledge of how to save road accidents and natural disaster victims.

Speaking during the training, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport, Oscar Gorerino said, “MPs were declared an essential service provider during the COVID-19 crisis as we interact with different communities. We need knowledge of how to handle road accident victims as loss of life can be reduced if road users get first aid training.

‘‘This committee is making history as the first trainees for this specialized first aid training. The loss of lives on our highways is highly regrettable and in most cases, help for road accident victims is delayed due to lack of first aid knowledge, distance and communication challenges”.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Secretary-General Elias Hwenga also said the humanitarian organization provides appropriate, evidence-based first aid and health care training services to all sectors in Zimbabwe.

Hwenga said, ‘‘Because we strongly believe that everyone has the potential to save a life, we aim to train as many people as possible in first aid in Zimbabwe as the provision of First Aid and nurse aide training services is one of our key mandates aimed at saving lives.”

‘‘For the Red Cross, first aid is a key pillar for building safer and more resilient communities which in turn are best placed to increase the impact of disaster preparedness and reduce risks to health. First aid is not only about life-saving techniques but it is also an act of humanity showing willingness to save lives with full respect for diversity and without discrimination.”

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe states that 95% of road accidents are caused by human error like speeding, overloading, drinking and driving and crossing flooded rivers during rainy season among others hence it is important for anyone to have the first aid course.

The training ended on Sunday.