The UP Open University (UPOU) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Committee organized a training on Occupational First Aid & Basic Life Support (BLS)- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This training is part of its #AlwaysReady campaign and in celebration of National Resilience Month and was held on 24-25 July 2023 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The training program aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response initiatives done by the UPOU.
The Resource Persons were Red Cross Laguna Chapter – Calamba Branch volunteer FA/BLS Instructors Joee Vincent Ching and Isaiah Renzo Labios. The training was attended by 26 participants consisting of members from the UPOU DRRM Committee and appointed Safety Marshals of the University.
The Red Cross Laguna- Calamba Chapter team demonstrated the basic CPR steps, techniques, and precautions. According to them, when giving CPR, checking the scene for safety, forming an initial impression, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary. Along with that, they also instructed the participant on how to utilize AED. An AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
The training serves as a support for the University’s thrust on reducing and managing the risks associated with disasters. The presence of trained first aid respondents will allow the University to provide such service when the need arises, especially in times of disasters or other emergencies. In addition, this training enhances UPOU’s gender sensitivity and inclusivity in its operation. With trained first aid responders, the University will be able to respond to the needs of vulnerable sectors like children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who might need such services while in the University.
Furthermore, the training will also foster safety and sustainability in the workplace, where the well-being of the workers is given the utmost priority. Emergencies can occur at any time or any place. By having qualified first aid responders on hand, the university will be more capable of addressing the essential needs of its staff members in terms of health and safety.
This event proved that the UPOU was effective in providing the community with better healthcare services and assisting in ensuring that everyone is prepared to deal with various new health challenges. Within the context of Sustainable Development Goals #3 and #17, we can anticipate more programs and activities that can help address different difficulties in terms of the health and well-being of this community.
ALWAYS FIRST, ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE. Be proactive, be disaster-ready!
Written by Dianne Cosines ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
#UPOpenUniversity
