Resilience learned from COVID19
The Fiji Red Cross Society, showed their resilience in providing first aid trainings no matter what. During the COVID 19 pandemic, they faced difficulties in organizing First Aid training as the Ministry of Health made restrictions. However for Fiji, first aid trainings are essential since the country is particularly vulnerable to risks and natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Going digital to adapt First Aid training
That is why the First Aid Team of the Fiji Red Cross Society decided to adapt to the situation. They started to develop online training via Zoom, and continued to share the skills and knowledge for the people who needed a first aid certificate for their job, e.g. for the renewal of wireman license. Organizing online training requires a high adaptability. Therefore, the First Aid team needed to work on the trainings well before they were held. As a start, they discussed with the trainees in order to identify their needs and tailor make programs to suit them. They also took into account the need of flexibility, of providing a fun learning environment and of adapting the teaching approach.
In order to make the sessions as easy and enjoyable as possible, all participants were asked to keep the camera’s on through the session, and various handouts and PowerPoint presentations were shared with them.
As for the method, the volunteers had to adapt it as well. They organized groups discussions, case studies, mock exercise, buddy talk in-between sessions, etc. They also used the tell / show / do method, and shared with the participants a few real life experiences and how they managed it.
Riaz Khan, volunteer of the Fiji Red Cross Society, told us
“the facilitation of the program went really well as we were able to transfer the knowledge across to the participants clearly, even though we did it online. It was a new way of encouraging more people to learn first aid from the comfort of their homes. Most of the participants already had a first time experience in using technology, which resulted in good feedback. Now, we are using online training as a second option for our target audience. It was a great learning and experience for all.”
“At times, we faced some challenges such as unstable connection, or participants were dropping off because they found it hard to connect. We hope that, in the future, we will be more organized as this will help us in facilitating it better.”
For the future : Combining first aid and sustainable development
Due to global warming, Fiji is even more exposed to risks and natural disasters. Therefore, the Fiji Red Cross Society has made the choice to do climate-conscious training.
In practice, it means that the volunteers use, as much as possible, low tech, low cost and low waste tools during the trainings. It includes using available local resources and raising awareness among participants. For instance, for the demonstration and practice of CPR and choking, the volunteers use plastic bottles, pillows, teddy bears, etc.
Such a great work!
