Responders: PRC, ICRC stress role of first aid for elderly

Experts say 50% injury-related hospitalizations occur in 65+ age group.

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Red Crescent’s (PRC) K-P chapter organised an event on Wednesday to stress on learning first aid to save lives.

According to the press release, the event was held at Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI), University of Peshawar to highlight the importance of World First Aid Day. Senior member of PRC managing committee and notable social worker Inamullah Khan presided over the event. Other attendees included International Committee of the  Red Cross (ICRC) sub-delegation head Mirjam Lea Mueller, PFI Director Asif Jah, students and a large number of volunteers.

Speaking at the event, Inamullah said the day was celebrated every year to highlight the importance of first aid and commemorate services provided by a first aid technician.

He also stressed the importance of first aid for older adults, which was also the theme of this year’s World First Aid Day, which was on September 12. Inamullah stated, “First aid is even more essential for the elderly since more than 50% of injury-related hospitalizations are amongst people over 65 years of age. It is the need of the hour to learn first aid techniques.”

Muller, who also spoke at the event, shared, “A person dies every five seconds around the globe due to injuries.” Mueller added it was vital to provide first aid assistance prior to transporting patients to the hospital for increased chances of survival.

She said PRC, in collaboration with ICRC, was doing its utmost in imparting such training to various segments of society in K-P and Fata.

Jah praised PRC’s dedication in training the general public on first aid. He also commended the organisation’s emergency responses to different situations, including the tragic incident at Army Public School last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2015.