First aid can save lives

MELKHOUTFONTEIN NEWS - Members of the local community recently attended training in dealing with medical emergency situations.

The presentation and practical demonstration of techniques such as CPR were organised by Marlin Jansen, community activist and chairperson of Sunbeam Créche. The presenters were the coordinator of first aid training at EMS Riversdale, Mario Kennel and his colleagues Greg Clary (paramedic), Christopher Cieta (basic life support practitioner), Yolandy Avontuur (sub-district manager) and Kim Voss (acting station commander).

Kennel reiterated to his students that knowledge of CPR could make a difference by saving the life of a relative or friend or even a total stranger:

"All you have to do is check for anything that can endanger your or the patient's safety. Then check if the patient is responsive or not, call for help and start CPR if the patient is unresponsive until professional medical assistance arrives. You only need your hands, no fancy equipment."

According to Kennel the students were very keen and showed a lot of enthusiasm. He and his team would like to thank all participants for sharing EMS Riversdale's vision of delivering good and effective service to the community.

From left: Marlin Jansen, Esmarelda Hendricks, Marozel Smith, Ronel Jansen, Diandrie Riddles and Mario Kennel.