First aid gets inclusive

19 June 2008

Volunteers in Belfast are teaching first aid to members of a voluntary organisation working alongside people with disabilities, so they can pass on life-saving skills to their clients.  

As part of the British Red Cross’ inclusive first aid programme, the volunteers have been trained to deliver first aid skills to groups that may require a more flexible approach.

The Orchardville Society, which helps people with autism and learning disabilities, is the first organisation in Northern Ireland to take part in the programme. Four representatives recently completed a three-day course equipping THEM with the skills to deliver basic first aid training.

Building confidence

Paula Powell, Red Cross project manager, said: “We’re committed to making first aid more inclusive for people from all walks of life. Learning these skills helps increase confidence, social skills and the ability to react in a crisis.”

Anne Magee, from the Orchardville Society, added: “We have over 200 trainees throughout Belfast and ideally we would like them all to have first aid skills. Having these four specially trained people means we can now provide first aid training alongside our other courses.”

Other organisations that have signed up for inclusive training include Mencap, CODA (Community Orientated Drug Awareness Project) and Downtown Lisburn Centre for Community Care. For more information, contact Paula Powell.

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