By Shannah May Louraine Artes

DBTC Cebu, Philippines, 26 July 2023 -- A 2-day first aid training last July 20-21, 2023, with the theme “Common Emergencies and Basic Life Support” was organized at Don Bosco Technical College- Cebu with the help of the University of San Jose-Recoletos: Adelante Life Emergency Rescue Team-Emergency Medical Service (USJ-R A.L.E.R.T. EMS), headed by Mr. Ramon Codilla Hermoso Jr., RN, EMT. About 50 youth volunteers came to learn and prepare for responding to emergencies effectively. These were from Don Bosco Youth Center-Lourdes, Don Bosco Technical College- Salesian Youth Movement, and Don Bosco Youth Center-Lawaan.

The training showed the participants the difference between first aid and emergency response service, the characteristics and principles of first aid and first aider, the step-by-step process of executing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and assisting with obstructed airway relief. A practical exam was given to participants, overseen and evaluated by Mr. Ramon Codilla Hermoso Jr., himself the instructor; Mr. Harold Cabaluna and Mr. Ruhen RJ Pancho, both assistants of the instructor.

The participants also learned how to make square knots, bandaging fractures, splinting bone dislocations, and managing wounds of various natures. They were asked to master essential medical skills. They were shown the correct procedure for treating and extracting splinters, and practiced carrying, lifting, and transferring patients.

The Zatti Friends Club of DBYC-Lourdes organized the activity. The collaboration between USJ-R A.L.E.R.T. EMS and Salesian youth is a symbiosis. As these young individuals gain the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies and assist professional emergency personnel, they become a beacon of hope and support in their communities. By empowering the youth with first aid training, a generation of responsible, caring, and resilient citizens is nurtured ready to make a difference in the lives of others.

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