THE Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), recently trained 25 journalists in first aid in Cross River State.
The media professionals were trained on how to use life-saving skills for emergencies, especially those they might encounter while doing their jobs.
According to a statement released by Chima Nwankwo on behalf of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, participants at the training received hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound management, and more.
Nwankwo said the initiative underscored the critical role of first aid knowledge in ensuring safety within and beyond media environments.
Branch secretary, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Cross River State chapter, Eni Joseph, during the training, emphasised that first aid knowledge was crucial for journalists due to the risks associated with their profession.
He noted that first aid’s primary objective was to save lives and promote swift recovery.
“The idea of training journalists in first aid is actually not new. This is the second time that we have done it. Based on your area of professionalism, you are actually exposed to a certain level of risk in your line of work. So the knowledge of first aid at work could be very useful.
“You can use it to help your colleagues, family, and friends. It is a life-saving skill you actually need to have,” Joseph stated.
A first aid trainer, Daniel Edobor, led the training, which included critical skills such as placing casualties in recovery positions, performing CPR, controlling bleeding, managing fractures, treating home injuries, and safely transporting casualties to hospitals.
The organisation added that the 25 journalists who came from various media outlets received ICRC-certified First Aid kits and certificates upon completing the training.
In June 2024, the ICRC also trained over 20 journalists in Kano, Northwest Nigeria.
The public relations officer for the ICRC, Aliyu Dawobe, while addressing participants said the training was designed to improve the journalists’ understanding of basic first aid procedures and how to handle pre-hospital injuries.
According to him, the purpose of the training was to provide media workers with the tools they need to deal with some of the fatalities that might happen during emergencies.
He explained that the Red Cross acknowledged the vital role that journalists play in providing vital information in conflict areas and the dangers journalists encounter while doing their jobs, which could include serious harm or even death.
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