Islamabad-“Journalists are generally the first to arrive at the scene of blast, accident or emergency and a first aid trained journalist could make a difference in saving lives during emergencies”, says PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Red Crescent Society organised first-aid training for journalists at Rawalpindi Press Club. More than 50 journalists including cameramen, reporters and office bearers of the press club attended the training, who were taught as how to save lives in emergency situations.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman PRCS Dr Saeed Elahi said that accidents, blasts and other emergencies occurred frequently, and the journalists were generally the first to arrive at the scene. If they would know the basics of first aid, they would be able to save many lives while also protecting themselves, he said.

Dr Saeed said that the training course took a few hours but gave the participants the knowledge and confidence to become lifesavers if a colleague, friend or family member falls ill or gets injured. “Main objective of the training programme is to have a first aider in every home to provide basic medical assistance to a victim, a trained first aider in every home could make a big difference in saving lives in emergencies”, he added.

First-Aid Programme Officer PRCS Dr Fatima Amin said that the first-aid training course in the RPC was organised to teach simple skills which could make a big difference if an emergency happens, enabling the person to offer fundamental assistance to a victim before shifting him or her to hospital.

Dr Fatima said that the course covered common first-aid scenarios including what to do if someone is choking, unconscious or bleeding, and how to treat a burn or fracture.

It will also help participants to spot the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, and give them the tools to step in and act, she said.

The journalists and office bearers of Rawalpindi Press Club appreciated efforts of PRCS for organising the training for journalists and said that the first aid training was important for media practitioners whether they be in the field or at home.

At the close of ceremony, Dr Saeed distributed certificates among the participants and shields were exchanged.

President National Press Club Tariq Chaudhary, In-charge Rawalpindi Press Club Abid Abbasi and others were also present at the occasion.

Earlier, an awareness session was held in the Commissioner Office, Rawalpindi where Chairman PRCS Dr Saeed briefed the participants about the PRCS ongoing humanitarian initiatives. The session was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Talat Mehmood Gondal, AC Zila Council Shahid Imran, AC Urban Usman Hanif, Secretary PRCS Rawalpindi Ahsan Ranja and others.