A rally on the occasion of the World First Aid Day in Banepa

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies celebrate the second Saturday of September as World First Aid Day. On this day, National Societies organize events and ceremonies, mobilize volunteers and communities to raise public awareness about the importance of first aid. The aim behind celebrating it is to increase communities’ understanding of the positive implications of first aid in day-to-day life as well as in emergencies, in accident, disease prevention and in promotion of healthy and safe behaviours.

At the national level, the World First Aid Day 2007 was celebrated on 8th September at Banepa, Kavre. Celebration activities included first aid skill competition, quiz contest, simulation and rally. The volunteers and staff members of the Nepal Red Cross Society contributed in organizing, participating and managing the activities. There were more than 800 people from different sectors of the government and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, Red Cross volunteers and public to observe the celebration.

Objectives of the World First Aid Day

• To recognize the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent first aid volunteers in risk reduction, preparedness and first aid response in saving lives and making a difference
• To actively promote safe and healthy behaviours in the communities
• To strengthen the voluntary spirit and solidarity of people who are trained by the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to provide first aid to their communities without discrimination based on our principles of Humanity, Impartiality and Voluntary Service.

Theme
"First aid: safe and healthy communities without discrimination"

Organizing Committee

The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Headquarters in coordination with NRCS Kavre District Chapter organized a two day program from 7th to 8th September.

Activities

Press Meet
A press meet was held at Kavre District Chapter on 7th September. Eight representatives from National daily, one from Image Television and one from HBC FM attended the press meet. They were briefed on the objectives, activities and importance of First Aid Day celebration.

Publication of Special Article & Appeal of Chairman
An appeal of Chairman was published in the national dailies, the Kantipur, Samacharpatra and Rajdhani on 8th September. It has explored the idea of partnership regarding the implementation of FA programs focusing in different communities of the country.

First Aid Competition
The firs aid competition organized at Banepa on 7th September covering the quiz contest, relay and first aid knowledge/skill demonstration. Seven district Chapters took part in the competition. Simulators performed the role of victims to create a live situation.

Bhaktapur District Chapter stood as the winning district, Kathmandu the 2nd and there was a tie between Udaypur and Rasuwa in the 3rd position.

Selection of Best Trainer and Volunteer

State Minister of Health, Sashi Shrestha receiving 'Token of Love' from NRCS Kavre District Chapter President

In the process of selecting the Best Trainer and Volunteer, each district chapter sent names of their best trainer and volunteer following the criteria prepared by the national headquarters. Based on this, Mr. Khem Raj Sapkota from Kaski District Chapter was awarded the Best Trainer and Mr. Mahichand Saha from Sunsari District Chapter was awarded the Best Volunteer of the Year-2007.

Main Event (8th September)
Rally
The First Aid Day rally march started at 11a.m from Banepa Munipality passing through the thoroughfares of the town. Altogether, there were more than 500 people including representatives from the government and non governmental institutions, school children, volunteers & staff members of NRCS.

Mass Meeting
The rally converged into the mass meeting at the Banepa Municipality premise at 12p.m. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Samundra Lal Shrestha, President, NRCS, Kavre District Chapter. State Minister of Health, Sashi Shrestha was invited as the chief guest.

Welcome speech, inaugural ceremony, highlight on the importance of First aid day and prize distribution was the main activities of the day.

Mr. Saput Bahadur Karki, Chairman, Central Community Development Committee highlighted on the theme of First Aid Day. He stated, "Contribution made by first aid volunteers in minimizing health hazards of vulnerable communities is commendable." He further added that their voluntary actions in the community should be recognized.

"First aid should be applied without discrimination and on severity of the patient" remarked Ms. Sheela Thakila, social worker. She also said that people from the poor economic background should benefit equally from first aid and other health services in the country.

State Minister of Health Sashi Shrestha remarked " First aid knowledge/skills should be known to all". She also remarked that it is not only the responsibility of Red Cross to promote first aid activities, every individual in the civil society should be engaged in these activities.

Prize Distribution & Closing Ceremony

Simulation performed by first aid volunteer in Jhapa on World First Aid Day.

The chief guest distributed prizes to the winners of the first aid skill competition, best Trainer and Volunteer of the Year 2007. Then after, the Chairperson gave the closing remarks and token of love to all the district chapters' participants, coordinators, guests and volunteers.

Major Achievement

NRCS successfully organized the World First Aid Day program nationwide. The major achievements of the day are as follows:

• Participation of State Minister of Health, Sashi Shrestha in the program
  
• News coverage by electronic media such as print (Sanjivani Post), television (Sagarmatha and Avenues) and FM radio to promote dissemination of first aid activities nationwide.

Lesson Learnt

• First aid competitions should be encouraged in district level activities.
  
• More districts should be included in national level first aid competition.