On the morning of September 26, 2024, Brgy. Bololacao’s Day-Care Center became a hub for disaster preparedness as 31 participants—composed of barangay officials and volunteers—joined forces with the New Lucena Response Team (NLERT) to equip themselves with essential first-aid knowledge and earthquake safety measures. From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, this hands-on training refreshed past learnings and instilled the community with vital life-saving skills that go beyond the momentary—a sustainable benefit for everyone.
Learning to Prevent, Survive, and Save Lives
First-aid training started, with a prayer led by Kgwd. Nora Solinap, signaling a sense of communal spirit before diving into the life-saving techniques. During the introduction, participants shared personal anecdotes of aiding others— from assisting in childbirth to performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This practical experience, combined with formal training, fortified their confidence to face emergencies.
The session began with an earthquake orientation led by Mr. Kenneth Sobremisana, where participants practiced the “duck, cover, and hold” technique— a simple yet crucial maneuver in avoiding injuries during seismic events. Sobremisana emphasized that these drills, mandated by the national government, are critical to fostering community-wide preparedness. Disaster prevention starts with knowledge and action, and this training made that very clear.
First Aid: The Immediate Hero
As Sobremisana shared, “First aid is about preserving life, preventing injury from getting worse, and aiding recovery.” From treating burns and wounds to handling animal bites and seizures, the session was packed with practical demonstrations. In each scenario, participants learned how to act swiftly and calmly—key in any emergency. Christopher Biaes, another NLERT member, walked participants through managing burns, stopping nosebleeds, and even handling potentially life-threatening fractures. His step-by-step explanations, combined with hands-on practice, made the process feel less daunting. The training stressed that a well-prepared community can prevent injuries from worsening, and, in serious cases, keep victims alive long enough to get professional help.
Sustainability: A Community Asset
But this was more than just a one-time event. First-aid training empowers individuals to become first responders within their own community—an invaluable asset in areas where medical help may not be immediately available. By teaching essential skills like bandaging, the correct response to fractures, and the critical “RICE” treatment for sprains and strains, participants are now equipped to offer timely assistance in emergencies. For instance, one of the highlights was learning the square knot—a practical, simple knot for bandaging. The challenge to tie it within five seconds added a bit of competitive fun while reinforcing its importance in securing dressings quickly.
Prepared for the Worst: Responding to Health Emergencies
Sobremisana rounded off the session by educating participants on the early symptoms of stroke, heart attacks, and cardiac arrest. By learning the FASTER approach to strokes and recognizing the early signs of a heart attack, barangay officials and volunteers are now better prepared to act swiftly during such critical incidents. Knowing what to do in the “golden hour”—the crucial window for treatment in stroke and heart attack cases—can be the difference between life and death. As with every aspect of the training, this too underscored the vital role of first-aid in maintaining community health and safety.
Lifelong Benefits
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. It goes beyond disaster preparedness— it’s about creating a sustainable culture of safety in the barangay. The first-aid skills learned are not just for emergencies; they are life skills that can be used in everyday situations. Whether it’s a child with a nosebleed or an elder with high blood pressure, participants now know how to respond quickly and effectively. One participant summed it up perfectly: “This training really helps a lot because it is a life skill. We can finally respond to accidents because we are able to learn the basics of first aid.” With a renewed sense of confidence, Brgy. Bololacao is now better equipped to handle emergencies—ready to protect their neighbors and loved ones.
By fostering a spirit of readiness and resilience, this initiative by SEA Inc., NLERT, and MDRRMO ensures that communities like Brgy. Bololacao are not only safer today but will continue to be so for generations to come.
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