By: Abu Bakarr Kargbo
The 26th Batch Chinese Medical Team successfully conducted an on-site First Aid Training Programme for staff of UNICEF Sierra Leone at the UNICEF Head Office in Freetown on Monday. This vital two-day training aims to equip participants with essential first aid skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), trauma first aid, and emergency response techniques, thereby enhancing their preparedness for medical emergencies.
The training commenced with a theoretical session where participants learned about the principles of first aid, followed by practical demonstrations designed to reinforce the skills taught. Captain Liu Longfei of the 26th Batch Chinese Medical Team expressed his team’s dedication to imparting life-saving skills. “On behalf of the Chinese Medical Team, we are delighted to provide this on-site first-aid training to UNICEF Sierra Leone,” he stated, emphasizing the initiative as part of their shared commitment to protecting lives in Sierra Leone.
Captain Liu highlighted the significance of equipping UNICEF staff with necessary skills for emergency situations. “This training supports our staff in dealing with emergencies effectively,” he noted. Since 2024, the Chinese Medical Team has collaborated with various organizations and individuals, including students, in offering first aid training across sectors such as mining and healthcare. This collaboration underscores a collective commitment to health and safety within the community.
UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone, Rudolph Schwenk, spoke about the importance of ensuring staff wellbeing and security. “At UNICEF, the wellbeing, safety, and security of our staff are central to our duty of care,” he remarked. Schwenk added that it is crucial to equip colleagues with practical skills to respond effectively in medical emergencies, which helps create a safe and supportive working environment.
He further elaborated, stating, “This training represents an important investment in staff wellbeing and emergency preparedness. The knowledge and skills shared over the course of this session will strengthen our collective capacity to respond promptly and appropriately should an incident occur, whether in the workplace or in the field.”
Swapping roles from trainers to participants, both Liu and Schwenk encouraged all attendees to engage fully with the training. Schwenk urged participants to ask questions and actively participate in practical sessions to maximize the training’s value. “We sincerely appreciate the Chinese Medical Team for their continued partnership and for generously sharing their expertise with UNICEF,” he expressed. “Your contribution reflects the strong spirit of collaboration that underpins our work and supports our shared commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting health.”
The successful collaboration between the 26th Batch Chinese Medical Team and UNICEF Sierra Leone exemplifies the dedication of both organizations to enhance health safety and emergency preparedness in the nation. As Sierra Leone continues to face various health challenges, such initiatives are critical for building a resilient workforce capable of responding to unforeseen incidents.
This first aid training program is one of many efforts designed to establish a robust health safety framework, not only for UNICEF staff but also for diverse sectors within Sierra Leone. Participants left the training feeling empowered and equipped with the knowledge necessary to respond effectively in times of crisis, ensuring that they can contribute positively to the wellbeing of their communities.
