Red Cross brings first-aid skills to many in Tembisa

South African Red Cross empowered over 2 500 community members with first-aid skills using well-researched and scientifically proven techniques and methods.

SA Red Cross digital and communications manager Mmpadi Kekana said to date they have reached over 1 500 young people, and largely women, with this skill.

He said in Tembisa the programme was presented from June 25 to 27 at Dr Makoti Surgery in Ivory Park.

“We have seen that in most communities there are lives that are being lost. Therefore, we are trying to assist where we can by giving first-aid training to youth from different communities across South Africa.

“We are not doing this by ourselves, we have a sponsor, Belgian Flanders Red Cross, who are assisting us to perform these miracles in saving lives. We try to keep the youth off the streets by encouraging them to volunteer at the South African Red Cross,” said Kekana.

He said each learner who participates in the programme is given a stipend while they are offered free training that will earn them free accredited certificates.

Kekana said SA Red Cross is aiming to run more first-aid classes and interested community members can find more information on sarcsapp.co.za

Thereafter, the empowered community members are expected to implement the skills to benefit SA Red Cross.

One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Sibusiso Molotshwa, said since he has been in the programme he has learned that young people must help the community.

“I would really appreciate ii if SA Red Cross continues empowering the youth from different communities. I have learnt a few tips on giving first-aid response when a person has a stroke.

“There are signs, like observing the victim’s face, and then one must try to put the victim in a correct and safe position,” Molotshwa shared the lesson.

Molotshwa said he would love to learn more on first aid once he finishes his matric.