Locals offered life-saving hands-on training
Ward 57 residents were recently offered an educational Stop the Bleed course and self-defence lessons over the weekend.
Locals who may have to assist in a life-threatening bleeding emergency while waiting for first responders were recently empowered during an awareness workshop.
Ward 57 residents braved the cold to attend this workshop, which offered a self-defence class and a free Stop the Bleed course at South Hills Recreation Centre on July 6.
With a rise in the scourge of violence and crime in communities, instructors Captain Hennie Bouwer alongside his son Warren Bouwer spearheaded the hands-on training to keep locals safe.
Community leader Caroline van den Heever, said: “We live in a gang-populated area, where the gang violence is extreme. There are young children involved in gangsterism. We need to be able to save lives. And unfortunately, our response times are not fantastic in this area.”
She said the day’s programme also provided self-defence which is crucial in equipping the community with the means to keep themselves safe and to protect others.
It is important that men, women and children can defend themselves in a dangerous situation.
Van den Heever reiterated that this was the second time the Stop the Bleed course was offered in the area and the third time the self-defence classes were offered.
According to Captain Hennie Bouwer from SAPS provincial head office, the Stop the Bleed programme is essential in offering techniques to help save a life before someone bleeds out.
“With several situations around the country, it’s good to train the public especially those from the public sector to stop the bleeding.
“It is not a full medical course but covers everything that has to do with blood. My son and I are martial arts experts and we teach the community to defend themselves in certain situations,” he said.
He said attendees will receive certificates after their training.
Teachers from The Hill and Diversity high schools were also in attendance during the event and were equally equipped with the life-saving training.
Should the public be interested in the Stop the Bleed course or self-defence training, they may contact Captain Hennie Bouwer on 084 515 5725.
