Red Cross marks World First Aid Day

Standard Style
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) yesterday joined the global Red Cross family in commemorating World First Aid Day. The local celebrations were held at the Red Cross Independent College in Kambuzuma.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) yesterday joined the global Red Cross family in commemorating World First Aid Day. The local celebrations were held at the Red Cross Independent College in Kambuzuma.

By Our Correspondent

red-cross-first-aid

Speaking at the commemorations, ZRCS national president Edison Mlambo said first aid is a necessary skill in saving lives and should not be for show or a compliance practise to meet National Social Security Authority (NSSA) regulations.

“First aid saves life and as the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, we are greatly encouraged by the strides we continue making in inculcating first aid values in our communities. We encourage Zimbabweans from all walks of life to enlist for training with our various centres around the country,” he said.

Mlambo’s sentiments were echoed by guest of honour, Chamber of Mines chief executive officer Isaac Kwesu, who acknowledged ZRCS’ invaluable contributions to safety in the workplace through first aid training.

“As the Chamber of Mines, we believe first aid should be accessible to everyone and everywhere. We are therefore encouraged by the good work being done by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in enhancing safety in the workplace through top-notch trainings,” he said.

ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri emphasised that beyond service, the organisation is doing all it can to improve the quality of trainings.

“First aid should not be taken for granted. We are deliberately moving to improve the quality of our trainings as we move towards commercial first aid. With us there are no shortcuts to quality and we will continue upholding our values and standards,” Phiri said.

The commemorations were marked through various activities, among them first aid competition involving companies trained by ZRCS as well as teams from the Zimbabwe Republic Police.