WATCH: Foundation empowers community with basic life-saving skills
The Merewest Community Foundation trained 30 individuals from the community who would be first responders.
HOPING to empower and give back to the community, the Merewest Community Foundation (MCF), in partnership with Mediskills Academy, provided a free basic life-saving skills course to various individuals.
The foundation hosted two training sessions, which were held at Alipore Primary School in Merebank recently.
Premilla Deonath, the chairperson of the MCF, said the course was the second phase of the foundation’s Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) that was launched last year. The foundation also launched an EEP book, which is aimed at informing residents on what they can do during a disaster, both natural and man-made.
It also provides road maps to follow to avoid gridlocks in a disaster.
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“Having a plan is one thing, but we realised we needed trained first responders too. In recent weeks, the MCF shortlisted a wide spectrum of people to empower themselves and also so that we could give back to the community.
“We partnered with the academy, which is an accredited training provider, to give a free accredited course on basic first aid, CPR, and disaster management. We also thought it would give individuals a chance to hopefully unlock a new love and passion to help others. The course offers free tuition, materials, certificates and a full graduation.
“The MCF is confident that the 30 individuals who were carefully selected would be excellent first responders to our community should the need arise, keeping with our EEP. We pray that with these skills they are able to make a difference in our community and perhaps ignite a passion for others, or even find a new career,” she said. Deonath said the graduates will be putting their skills to the test at an upcoming wellness day planned for the community.
She added that apart from the course, representatives from the eThekwini Fire Services were also in attendance and advised the individuals on what to do if there is a fire, and how to use a fire extinguisher, among other tips.
Watch how to use a fire extinguisher.
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