Health department learn basic life-support training

The Department of Health called on educators to learn and teach basic life-support skills as the academic year commences.

This was after MMC for Health Rina Marx held a life-support training course recently at her office for herself and co-workers.

The department hoped that leading by example will inspire others to learn these skills which will in turn lead to a decrease in fatalities during emergencies.

“It is important we lead by example by offering this training to our own staff before calling on others to offer this life-saving course,” said Marx.

Marx emphasised the importance of knowing how to perform high-quality CPR.

“Now that the school academic year has commenced, I would like to call on relevant authorities to ensure that educators are empowered with basic life support and first-aid training,” Marx continued.

The health department said that knowing basic life-support techniques cannot only help in cardiac arrest incidents but choking and drowning incidents as well.

According to the department, 1 500 South Africans die from drowning annually and the majority of these deaths are children 14 years old and younger.

“Having these skills will assist one to recognise a health emergency and respond effectively. Providing basic life-support assistance to a person in need significantly increases his/her chances for survival,” Marx stated.

Residents and educators interested in acquiring these potentially life-saving skills can reach out to the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa to receive a list of accredited basic life-support training classes.

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