Without notice and without signs, accidents and emergencies can strike any time. The ability to provide basic first aid can bridge the gap between life and death. With the increasing numbers of students and upcoming major events, Sagip Kamay: First Aid Basic Training, takesforth in equipping student leaders with basic knowledge in First aid. This bold move from SSC aims to empower young leaders with essential life-saving skills, reinforcing the idea that leadership goes hand in hand with the ability to respond to others’ call for help.
Sagip Kamay, which translates to 'Saving Hands' in English, was a proposal of former SSC Hon. Gellie Rose Davallos that is now being implemented by Hon. Jaysan Philip Castro, supported by the MSU-GSC Medical Services, University Disaster Risk Reduction Management (UDRRM) and assisted by the Medical Rapid Response Team (MRRT). The two day event embarked on a new journey in Mindanao State University - General Santos City Gymnasium last Wednesday, 13th of September 2023 and this coming Saturday, 16th of September 2023. The said activity aims to equip Student Leaders of Mindanao State University - General Santos City from different colleges and organizations to learn First Aid Basics in order to equip them with knowledge for future emergencies in their respective colleges and during their own events.
"Learn something from this event and ask questions because you are the force multiplier of your respective areas of responsibility" expressed by Sir Maychelou Castillo, Director of University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (UDRRM) in his message of encouragement to the student leader attendees.
The said program was participated by the different College Organizations within the institution. Specifically, representatives from Supreme Student Council (SSC), Bagwis, Organization of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (OMANNS), College of Education Students' Organization (CESO), Fisheries Students' Organization (FISO), Greek Council, College of Social Sciences and Humanities Students' Organization (CSSHSO), College of Agriculture Society (CAS), Business Administration and Accountancy Students' Organization (BAASCO), Muslim Students' Association (MUSA) and Engineering Students' Organization (ESO).
The program started with a great enthusiasm from the trainer/lecturer, Sir Francis E. Antopina, EMT. who welcomed student leaders with basic handling of bandages. Starting from learning its parts to how it should be handled and how to keep it clean to get it ready for possible emergencies.
Sagip Kamay: Back to Basics
“Basic lang mani, ngano kinahanglan pa man tun-an?” Sir Antopina questioned the participants before proceeding to the first part of the program which is the lecture proper.
Receiving different responses from the participants and being satisfied with their answers, Sir Antopina reminded the student leaders of MSU-GSC that Basic First Aid, with proper execution can prolong a life and prevent responders from causing further harm to the patients. He then proceeded to introduce the first part of the program which is the lecture proper that was sectioned into six (6) modules: Characteristics of a First Aider, Principles, Demonstrating First Aid, Casualty Handling, Types of injuries, and First Aid management. The whole morning was covered with lectures and in the afternoon, the students were asked to group themselves into pairs to learn bandaging techniques for different injuries.
Bondaging: Filling the gap
Students from different organizations were asked to join the big circle for everyone to participate in the teaching of bandaging techniques. Assisted by the Medical Rapid Response Team (MRRT), the participants followed every instruction given by taking turns in being a victim and a responder. This became a remarkable sight where every college in MSU-GSC despite their gaps and differences, shows oneness in goals. Truly, the program not only taught bandaging techniques but also helped student leaders to create a bond with their peers.
Furthermore, before the end of Day one (1) of the activity, the participants practiced and reviewed together with their assigned group for their upcoming tests this coming Saturday, September 16, 2023. These tests would determine if they will receive a certificate of completion or not. The Certificate of Completion will serve as an indicator for every attendees of the program that they possess the skills and knowledge that assures the office and medical group that they are competent enough to be an effective responder.
Saving Hands, Shaping the Future
"Sagip Kamay: Basic First Aid Training is not an achievement of the SSC but an achievement of everyone who took part in ensuring a safe space for all, especially in our school community." Hon. Jaysan Philip Castro with regards to the success of the 1st day of the program.
He emphasized that this is not merely for implementation but also upholds the students' right and welfare. Day One of Sagip Kamay: Basic First Aid Training ended with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm from the participants as they eagerly look forward to the upcoming tests that would assess their capabilities and competence. The tests include a written exam covering all the discussed topics and a skill assessment test where attendees would be doing a Mock Accident. They would perform bandaging and demonstrate First Aid Responses tailored to the staged accident. As successful as the first day of the program, the attendees hoped for another success this coming Saturday.
In a world where emergencies can strike at any time, Sagip Kamay: Basic First Aid Training serves as a beacon of hope. With the dedication of the people behind the program, providing First Aid Basic Training, they are not only saving lives but also shaping a future where every student here in MSU-GSC is equipped to lend a helping hand when it's needed most.
Comments