The Goducate Training Center (GTC) in Iloilo, Philippines, is host to many visitors who drop in on day trips or for longer stays, or who attend the various community events and training sessions. To serve these people and our trainees and staff as well should accidents occur, an emergency-response team was set up 2 years ago, in July 2013. The team was made up of 10 regular laborers and 8 staff members. The Philippines Red Cross trained them in first aid and basic life support (cardiopulmonary resuscitation for health-care providers).
Last month a basic first-aid refresher course was held for the 10 laborers and 2 others newly recruited to the team. The course was run by a GTC staff member who is a licensed nurse. These 12 in turn trained 2 stand-by workers. 3 members of the team are designated team leaders, who ensure that there is first-aid coverage round the clock.
*Our guest writer is Joannna De Leon, a community development worker
