A First Aid Training organized by the New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) Training Department facilitated by PNG Red Cross to ensure all departments had a First Aid as part of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirement. First Aid training conducted by PNG Red Cross is equivalent to Australian Level one and New Zealand Red Cross Comprehensive First Aid Certificates. PNG Red Cross aims for quality First Aid Training categorizing its programs as Commercial First Aid (CFA) and Community Based First Aid (CBFA) registered under the National Training Council (NTC) as a training provider under PNG RED Cross Society Volunteer Policy and Code of Conduct.
The first aid training was for the revalidation of certificates and new First Aiders (Beginners), which commenced on 31st May and ended on 11th June 2021. Two Red Cross Instructors facilitated the Training. The nominated participants from all NBPOL Group of Plantations were divided into four batches. PNG OPRA nominated employee Gini Killah who participated in the 3rd batch of training participants. The objective of the Training was to certify an employee as a First Aid Officer to assist with internal first aid training development and manage work-related emergencies before the arrival of medical professionals.
The Training eventuated at Mosa Country Club (MCC) from 8 am to 4 pm for two (2) days per batch. The Training covered compulsory topics like Introduction to first aid practice, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and skills in managing assessed emergencies like Heart Attack, Stroke, Choking, Suffocation, Electrical Shock, Fainting, Convulsion, Seizure, Diabetes, Strangulation, Asthma, Near Drowning and Allergic Reaction. The practical application of the theory learnt on the topic consisted of Management for particular types of bleeding, Embedded Objects in the eye and body, Open stomach Wound, Gunshot, Lung Injury, Amputation, Ear, Nose & Eye and Snake Bite & Burns.
The assessment criteria used based on practical CPR (30%), bandaging (20%), participation (10%) and written test (40%). Thus to be eligible as a First Aid Officer (certificate practitioner), a total score of 80% and above required for first aid certification valid for three (3) years. The Training was highly commendable and informative, with a clear explanation of topics and terms applicable to work-related and home injury management. First Aid training in the future should also target the staff dependents for certification and community development plan.
