Article contributed by Mei Wong, Volunteer at AWWA
On 14 Jan 2017, AWWA organised a Basic First Aid Course to equip us, the volunteers, with the important skills for common emergencies and correct management. As we come in direct contact with the clients, these first aid skills will be very useful in times of need.
Within the eight-hour course, we learnt very important knowledge and were given the hands-on experience on First Aid and Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The volunteers were taught how to use the “Heimlich Manoeuvre” (abdominal thrust) to relieve a victim by dislodging objects that is causing one to choke. We also learnt to treat different types of wounds, cleaning and dressing a wound as well as some bandaging techniques. It provided us tips on what to do if we witness someone having seizures or when someone is experiencing heat stroke.
Apart from the techniques and theories which I have learnt, I also gained some valuable insights. Among those who attended the training, a number of them were in their sixties and seventies. They said they came to learn a new skill and hopefully they could be of assistance if and when there is an emergency. One of the participants even asked the trainer to teach her how to relieve a person in a wheelchair from choking. She explained that in the senior home where she volunteers, there are many residents in wheelchairs.
There were some elderly volunteers who could not bend or kneel to perform CPR on the dummies. However, they were so determined to learn the skill and did not want to give up this opportunity of a hands-on training which could potentially save a life.
Their attitude reminded me of an inspiring quote. “Don’t just count your years, make your years count.” – Ernest Meyers. This is the strength that I see in these women. They do not shy away from learning new things and want to render help whenever and wherever they can. They are truly an inspiration and an example of how one should be passionate about life.
Personally, I learnt a lot from the course – not only life-saving skills but I also witnessed the beauty of the true human spirit which does not wane with age. Rather it grows stronger by the day and inspires more people to come forward to serve and help the less fortunate in our community.