SEBOKENG. – Scores of young people from Sebokeng and surrounding areas heeded the call to attend the Gauteng Department of Health’s (GDoH) First Responder Training held at Kwa-Masiza Hostel on Wednesday, 08 March.

The training is taking place as part of efforts to equip communities with the required skills to handle emergencies that usually take place in society. The programme is intended for the communities residing in townships, Informal settlements and hostels.

The department aims to train 2500 individuals across Gauteng from March until December. Speaking during the first phase of the training, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko thanked trainees for taking part in the programme.

“Our experience has taught us that townships, informal settlement and hostels are areas where there are always challenges, particularly of access which results in emergency responses sometimes being delayed. It becomes critically important for us as government to extent this training to this community.

“Having your First Responder Training means that you have all the basic and necessary skills to help save a life. It will teach you exactly how to act and take control of an emergency incidents, depending on the specific situation,” she said.

Ralehoko states that the training will give trainees the confidence to make decisions that could end up saving someone’s life.

“This First Responder Training courses also provide specific knowledge on how to reduce and control different types of pain, injuries, and medical emergencies.

“This programme or training is not intended for certification of qualification but for empowerment of the community to be able to render first responder lifesaving interventions while awaiting arrival of appropriately qualified emergency care personnel.”

GDoH says in over 90% of calls received by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), members of the community were less equipped to respond to the Emergency Services they were confronted with.