Tarlac State University’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) conducted a Basic First Aid/ First Aid and Rescue training for employees on Thursday (November 12), held at the TSU Gymnasium.
“We need to strengthen our awareness. This forum is not only for compliance, but also for living out what we learn from what we have and from what we are doing. This morning is a continuation of day 1 and day 2. Merong nangyaring disaster, merong nag-collapse, merong kasamahan natin na nag-panic, at hindi na makagalaw sa lugar niya. Eh nandon na ‘yung disaster. Kailangan alam natin ‘yung gagawin natin,” Vice President for Administration Dr. Marlon V. Gamido said in his opening speech.
Ms. Sheryl Zapanta, NSTP chairperson, discussed the three objectives of basic first aid: to preserve life, prevent further damage, and promote recovery.
She, along with the other NSTP faculty members, also demonstrated how to provide basic emergency care for severe bleeding, choking, sprains, and strains. Participants were able to practice the proper way of using a triangular bandage and perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
During the training, participants were reminded of the importance of knowing and saving the emergency hotlines of hospitals and relevant government agencies, such as the Philippine National Police, the Red Cross, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
“We are very fortunate here that we have our own clinic at meron tayong mga nurses na on-duty. However, kapag merong nangyaring mass casualty, isang shooting incident, or nagkaroon ng earthquake, ilan lang ang nurse natin sa bawat campuses. Hindi nila kakayanin, kaya kailangan maparami natin ang may mga alam kung paano makakatulong,” Ms. Zapanta said in her talk.
Ms. Zapanta also advised the participants to buy a triangular bandage at the TSU Business Center to store in their bags in case of an emergency, after illustrating how to use the bandage as an arm sling.
The training is part of the Office of Gender and Development’s 4-day training for employees titled “Ready, Resilient, and Safe: Building a VAW-Free, Gender-Responsive, and Disaster-Ready TSU” - equipping employees with basic immediate response to emergency situations before professional medical help arrives.
This was done in coordination with the Office of University Health Services, the Pollution Control and Safety Unit, the Office of National Service Training Program, the Office of the Human Resource Development and Management, and the Non-Academic Staff Association.
