City of Tshwane Health Department encourages basic life support training in schools and other sectors

In my capacity as MMC for Health, I recently facilitated a basic life support course training for staff in my office. Basic life support skills are crucial in saving lives, especially after cardiac arrest through the provision of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). I felt it is important that we lead by example by offering this training to our own staff before calling on other spheres of society to also offer this life saving course.

 

Along with assisting during incidents of cardiac arrest, basic life support training can also save lives during choking and drowning incidents. It is estimated that 1 500 people drown in South Africa annually and the majority of these deaths occur in children under 14 years of age.

 

Given that the school academic year has now commenced, I would like to call on relevant authorities to ensure that educators are empowered with basic life support and first aid training.

 

Having these skills will assist one to recognise a health emergency and respond effectively. Providing basic life support assistance to a person in need significantly increases his/her chances of survival.

 

Educators and community members interested in acquiring such skills can reach out to the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa for a list of accredited basic life support training centres.

 

Our multiparty coalition government is committed to creating awareness and providing education on various health-related matters to help Tshwane become a healthy and vibrant city.

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