Dubai: Pupils aged 12 and above should be taught basic life support and emergency response, said a senior manager from the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) during a first aid workshop at a Dubai school.
The understanding behind the early learning is to equip youngsters with the necessary skills to save lives, and eventually reduce the pressure on the health care system, said Mesha’al Abdul Karim Julfar, Training Manager at DCAS.
On Thursday, almost a hundred pupils from the Al Mawakeb School in Al Garhoud learnt how to recognise the signs of various emergencies and respond quickly and appropriately.
The HeartSaver first aid workshop was organised in association with the Dubai Police, DCAS, and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It included lectures, hands-on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and a demonstration on how critical situations are handled.
Pupils were also taught emergency numbers and how to use AED (Automated External Defibrillator) during a cardiac arrest.
Julfar told Gulf News that Dubai Ambulance strives to educate on emergency care through community outreach activities.
“With these critical skills, teenagers learn to handle emergencies among friends and family members. They will take their learning into the society as good Samaritans, helping save someone’s life. In turn, their learning will reduce the workload on healthcare professionals and the system,” he said.
Bina Ravidran, nurse from Dubai Police added, “Whether it is an injury — bleeding, burns, sprains, broken bones, shock, etc, on the playground or a choking, cardiac, diabetic emergency, first aid skills can increase the chances of survival. Pupils were taught how to effectively notify ambulance services as well.”
Speaking on behalf of the school owned by AMSI (Academia Management Solutions International), Hanan Ghossaini, academic administrator said that the school recognises the value of lifesaving skills outside curricula and regularly organises similar training workshops.
Grade 11 pupil Milania Hanna, 16, told Gulf News, “I didn’t realise how many emergency situations can arise, and how many of these I can help with like stanching blood and assisting with an asthma attack or allergic reaction.”
