By Franca Ofili
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday in Abuja trained journalists on first aid, with the aim of strengthening their capacity to address pre-hospital injuries.
The Communication Coordinator of ICRC, Mr Qusai Alazroni, said that the training was necessary to enable them save lives, prevent injuries from getting worse and promote quick recovery.
Alazroni said that first aid is an important aspect of journalists’ work as such it will enable them address issues in emergency situations.
He said emergency care vary from small cases to more serious ones, “this is why we train journalists on first aid to enable them address emergencies they might face during assignments.
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The coordinator, therefore, advised journalists to utilise what they learnt during the training, recalling that“ICRC had been in Nigeria since 2010, providing humanitarian support to people affected by armed conflictsand violence, especially in the North East.
“Working in these volatile environments, ICRC understands the crucial role played by the media in providing key information, as well as the safety challenges linked to reporting during conflict times.
“Some journalists end up getting wounded, and in worst scenarios, get killed.
“To address some of these fatalities, the ICRC, together with the Nigeria Red Cross Society, trained journalist on first aid to strengthen the capacity in addressing pre-hospital injuries.
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According to him, ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organisation that protects the dignity of people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence.
One of the participants, Mr Nathaniel Shaibu, said the knowledge was apt as he would utilise it to assist humanity.
Shaibu said “we are grateful for the training; as journalists, we don’t get this kind of training on how to protect ourselves.
“With this knowledge, I know what to do for myself or for a casualty in case of an emergency.
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Another participant, Fauziyah Mohammed, said her experience at the ICRC training was great.
She said “I enjoyed every minute of the training; I learnt a lot, and would like to applaud ICRC.
“At least now I know for sure, if I am confronted with a casualty of any kind, I will be able toadminister some kind of aid.
” (www.
nannews.
ng)
=== Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
World News