One of the most remarkable services that the Red Cross provides to the community is its training in first aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Volunteers, vehicle donations and auto donations make this service viable. If we face disaster or injury, trained first-aiders will always be required to assess individuals for prioritizing medical response, treating minor wounds and dealing with shock. Knowing that an ARC trained first-aider is on the scene immediately offers reassurance to those who may suddenly find themselves, homeless, helpless and suffering from injuries sustained in escape from fires, building evacuation, traffic incidents or workplace accidents. Any event or incident needs to have a competent first-aider to calm the situation and help restore normality.
Workplaces would be in peril if they didn’t have the personnel trained by the Red Cross to ensure workers’ safety – it’s a standard we can trust. The history of the ARC is embedded in caring for the wounded on the battlefield and nursing in military field camps so it’s no surprise there’s such expertise in their ranks. It’s not just disasters or wars that warrant first-aid training; it’s a useful skill for anyone, just think of how many accidents happen in the home each year that a competent first-aider could deal with effectively. Just as you might think about donating your car, say, you might take up a course to train as a first-aider. Every family should have one!
People trained by the Red Cross are so appreciative of their skills they don’t restrict their first-aid to professional purposes but are willing volunteers when a call is put out for response to an event. Events are where these people are in their element and events cost money. Where does the money come from? It comes from the public generous enough to do things like donate a car to charity or individuals who make a bequest. Wherever money comes from it is put to good use in a variety of services the Red Cross provides. A car donation could provide the sponsorship for a first-aider to be fully trained and how good would that be?
