Casa Caritas upskills staff with vital first aid and safety training
Community member assist Casa Caritas staff to renew their first aid, firefighting and health and safety certificates.
, a residential care facility providing life-long care to physically and mentally disabled individuals who cannot be trained or educated, continues to prioritise not only its residents but also the development of its caregivers.
The facility recently partnered with Kempton Park resident Trudie Oosthuizen to ensure staff receive essential training. Skills Matrix facilitated the training and issued certificates.
The need for training sponsorship was highlighted in the facility’s previous newsletter after existing certifications expired.
Oosthuizen stepped in to assist, covering the costs so that the programme required no financial contribution from Casa Caritas.
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“This is a requirement for any organisation that needs to comply with health and safety regulations. It is also required by the Department of Health,” said Casa Caritas chief executive officer, Chantell Kriel.
“We are confident that, in the event of an emergency, our staff will be able to provide the necessary care, administer CPR if required, and respond to small-scale fires.”
Kriel added that staff are the organisation’s most valuable asset, and ensuring they remain skilled and confident in responding to emergencies is essential.
A total of 32 staff members participated in the training programme, including 20 caregivers, three kitchen staff members, two laundry staff members, four cleaners and three office staff.
Participants completed courses in firefighting, First Aid Level 2, and health and safety representation. The training took place over four days, with two days dedicated to first aid and two to firefighting and health and safety.
Oosthuizen said her involvement was driven by a desire to support the community.
“I have a close relationship with Skills Matrix and was informed that Casa Caritas required training. I immediately stepped in to assist, and everything was arranged quickly,” she said.
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“These certificates expire and need to be renewed regularly, so we were able to assist staff in updating theirs. These are vital skills, especially in a facility like this, and I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference.”
The importance of such training was highlighted during a fire at the facility in 2023, when a shop on the premises burned. Staff demonstrated the necessary skills to respond effectively in a crisis.
For disability care facilities, properly trained caregivers are critical, as they are often the first responders in medical emergencies.
Casa Caritas caregiver Itumeleng Mahlakoane expressed appreciation for the initiative.
“I really appreciate the training and the certificate. I am grateful for the opportunity to renew my first aid certification, and the training was excellent,” she said.
“Having this qualification also helps at home. In a crisis, you are able to assist while waiting for medical help because you have the proper training. We are grateful to Casa Caritas for making the effort to help us renew our certificates.”
