Zomba communities hone disaster first-aid skills
Youth for Development and Productivity (Yodep) project officer Elestina Chipungu says communities can prevent loss of lives and property during disasters if they are conversant with first aid skills.
She said this on Monday at Sub-Traditional Authority (ST/A) Chimbalanga in Zomba District during a training of village disaster risk management committee members under the organisation’s Localisation Project.
The training sought to foster disaster-related first aid and resource mobilisation skills for committee members.
Chipungu said when disasters strike, committee members are always on the ground rescuing survivors and supporting households affected by floods.
“The goal is to ensure that casualties receive first aid within the confines of their communities while being rushed to hospitals for treatment,” she said.
Chipungu also said communities they trained communities in resource mobilisation to ensure that they have funds to buy materials to support survivors awaiting relief items from government and other stakeholders.
Malawi Red Cross Society first aid skills trainer Luciano Phiri said in an emergency, immediate first aid care is needed as it increases chances of survival.
“In emergencies every second counts and first aiders provide care until professional help arrives,” he said.
Kuchilimba committee chairperson Ben Chipole said they acquired skills such as being vigilant in rescuing people trapped in disasters.
“First aid skills are paramount in saving people’s lives,” he said.
With support from Save the Children, the organisation trained the committee members from the district’s five disaster-prone T/As of Mwembere, Nkapita, Mwambo, Chimbalanga and Kumtumanji
