YOUTH DEPARTMENT ORGANIZES FREE FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION TRAINING

The department is teaming up with the St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society to present a First Aid and CPR Certification Training Workshop that will be held at the Red Cross Headquarters at Horsfords Road, Basseterre. The event takes place on Saturday, November 03, 2018, and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registered groups can select at least two representatives to participate in the one-day training where they will learn about proper procedures for treating bruises, cuts, how to do a simple splint, and how to make a triangular bandage. Topics are also expected to cover how to assist during cases of asthmatic attacks or seizures.

“What we are trying to do, along with our youth staff, is get at least 35 persons certified at this point in time and then later on we are going to go on to get other persons from the group certified, so at any given time you (youth groups) may have at least four persons certified in CPR and First Aid Training,” said Youth Officer, Sharon Cannonier.

Ms. Cannonier is a volunteer with the local Red Cross and noted that this type of certification training cost $175 per person. However, the cost for this one-day course is being shared between the department, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), and the Sandy Point Art Association (SPARTA). Participants will attend free of cost and will be provided with lunch and refreshments.

To qualify, participants must have their group registered with the department and must be nominated by their group. The nominees must fill out a registration form for the training and return it to the department on or before Friday, October 26. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Ms. Cannonier noted that having an increased number of certified First Aid and CPR individuals will be good for the society.

“They may not be in a youth group setting but they could be somewhere in the public, they can easily flash their badge and say ‘I am first aid certified, can I assist you?’” she said, drawing reference to an unexpected medical emergency. “ That can be a major plus in anyone’s life. It can help you here (locally) or overseas,” the youth officer stated.

This training is among a number of benefits that youth groups can access through registration with the Department of Youth Empowerment. In addition to participating in training courses they can gain technical and some financial support from the department, be kept up-to-date with local, regional and international grant funding opportunities, and apply for duty concessions for materials or equipment for club purposes.

The department is currently on a drive to have groups register or to confirm/update their registration details. Persons are encouraged to visit the office at the top floor of the Cable Building or telephone 467-1393 or 662-6054 for additional information.