Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by: Shannah May Louraine Artes

Archdiocesan Shrine of Our lady of Lourdes, July 20, 2024 – The ZATTI Friends Officers with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (CCDRRMO) conducted an intensive 3-day training about Standard First Aid last July 17-19, 2024 at Don Bosco Youth Center – Lourdes. About 25 youth servers from ZATTI Friends and other youth groups came to learn from fourteen (14) healthcare providers.

The training covered topics including emergency and special emergency first aid, bandaging, splinting, and transferring of patients. The CCDRRMO trainers provided both knowledge and demonstration to ensure that participants gained an understanding of the course. A pretest and post-test, along with a return demonstration, was given which highlighted the serious approach of participants to the training. The practical application of the skills learned was a very important aspect of the program, emphasizing the needs of hands-on practice in mastering first aid techniques.

Marche “Chai” Mapulla, Team Leader of Ambulance 806, imparted valuable advice to the ZATTI Friends as they serve during youth mass emphasizing selflessness, flexibility, and attentiveness in first aid: “Be selfless, flexible, and attentive gyud because you are not only saving yourself but also the life of other people, every move matters. Always think that everything is a process of learning, so each of us, makaraan or bag-o, gakat-on gihapon. Build good companionship. Always put God first and respect, then knowledge and values.” Angel Jhed Donaire, a member of ZATTI Friends, added, “Dili dali ma first aider kay daghan ka angay tun-an unya dapat i apply gyud imo nakat-onan ug sakto.” (Being a first aider is not easy because there is a lot to learn and you must apply correctly what you have learned.”)

The collaboration between ZATTI Friends and CCDRRMO showed the importance of community involvement of the youth when it comes to disaster preparedness and response. The successful sessions not only enhanced the skills of the participants but also strengthened the bonds among the youth groups, built cooperation, and created mutual support. The participants will carry not only the skills required for first aid but also a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment to serve and help others without asking for anything in return. The three-day training proved to us the power of education and working hand in hand to build safer and more resilient communities.