Article by Busisiwe Potiane, Hokahanya Inn & Conference Manager
Expert-Led Training
With a focus on equipping staff with vital life-saving education, Mr Tarr (affectionately known as Mr Lifesaver) of Life Savers and First Aid Training, recently delivered a 2-day intensive training session of theory-based learning and practicals to Kick4Life staff, where the learners practised safe ways of helping a person in need while maintaining their own safety as first-aiders.
A Hub of Activity
Since first aid is a responsibility for all, no one will be a bystander at the Kick4Life Centre, where the facility is always teeming with activity. Whether it’s a gym session in the Bophelo Gymnasium and Health Club, a game of soccer in the FSC Stadium of Life, a tutoring session, a conference in the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre or a dining reservation to celebrate a special moment with loved ones in the No.7 Restaurant, the Kick4Life Centre is always vibrant.
It is for this reason that a refresher Level 1 First Aid training was conducted for all departments. The training covered emergency preparedness and protocols and reminded all that it takes simple tools and a steady technique to save a life.
The Key Takeaways
Emergency phone settings (ICE Number)
Arguably the most important feature on anyone’s phone, the In Case of Emergency Contact (ICE) comes in handy where one is not in a position to speak; their phone becomes their most vocal advocate (even when locked), holding critical information about the owner such as their names, biometrics, and medical vital information like allergies and health conditions one has. This information becomes critical and could lead to quick life-saving choices and help reach your loved ones.
Dispelling dangerous myths.
Imagine having a seizure, and while helpless on the floor, someone pries your jaw open and jams a plastic spoon into your mouth while several others pin you down and stretch out your limbs as your head keeps hitting the floor uncontrollably. A person has fainted, and as they lay there, out of nowhere a cold bucket of water is emptied onto them in a bid to ‘shock them back to consciousness’.
These are some of the most common, yet dangerous myths thought to ‘save’ lives. As the team would find out, this could not be further from the truth. Mr Lifesaver taught safe ways of helping someone having a seizure, from assessing their condition all the way to recovery and referring them for further medical attention, debunking these hazardous myths.
Key maneuvers
Cardiovascular Resuscitation (CPR). A vital activity every person must know. Bringing a person’s heart ‘back to life’ is knowledge we all cannot go without. The correct way of performing this while help is on the way is probably the reason most people live to make more memories with their loved ones, and this is one of the activities the team’s extensive training was on. The training also focused on preventing vital loss of blood, wounds and fractures, as well as attributes of a great first-aid practitioner in the most resourceful way.
The impact
Sharing his experience from the training, Lerotholi Phatela, Marketing & Communications Officer, said: “As someone attending this kind of training for a second time, I found the refresher incredibly valuable. Many concepts are much clearer to me now, and I feel far more confident in my ability to provide first aid when needed. With the football season about to resume, I know there will be situations where my assistance may be required, and I now feel well-prepared to respond effectively. I look forward to bringing greater confidence to my support of the annual Kick4Life tours as well.”
Realeboha Khesa, Programmes Assistant, added: “My newly acquired knowledge will be transformational. In the past, I encountered participants getting injured during programmatic mixed-gender tournaments and felt helpless to assist them. At one point, one of my Life Skills coaches suffered a seizure, and I wasn’t confident in my ability to handle the situation. As we head into a warmer season where participants are more prone to fainting, I am ready to step up as a first responder and assist everyone with the care and precision I learned during training”.
Ramashamole Monts’uoe, Maintenance Officer and Soccer Schools Coach, concluded: “Following this training, I have renewed my confidence in my ability to ensure that every person in need will get expert help as we embody the value of caring about people at the centre and in the community”.
