On World First Aid Day, Saturday, 8 September, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) encouraged the public to take interest in learning first aid to help reduce the number of injuries and deaths in road accidents in Liberia.
According to a release issued in Monrovia Tuesday, 11 September, the World First Aid Day was celebrated under the theme “First Response to Road Crashes.”
Around 1.25 million people worldwide lose their lives yearly as a result of road traffic accidents with an estimated 1,585 deaths recorded in Liberia in 2017, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In addition, the Red Cross says tens of thousands are injured each year, often with life-changing outcomes.
The Secretary General of the LNRCS Madam Sayba Tamba urges that as road users, whether pedestrians, riders, drivers or passengers, “we all stand at risk but can reduce exposure to injuries and deaths.”
“One of the best ways to prevent these tragedies and reduce casualties is to learn to apply first aid while awaiting medical assistance,” she continues.
In nearly every country in the world, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are leading providers of first aid and first response training.
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In Liberia, the LNRCS has been providing first aid training and kits across the country for decades, teaching techniques and actions necessary for preparedness and immediate response to assist casualties.
From January to August 2018, the Liberian Red Cross has trained over 138 persons across the country and remains prepared and ready to deliver First Aid training and services to any one or institution.
“Our first aid training is open to all, and we look forward to working with individuals, groups and communities to help make our roads safer for everyone,” the LNRCS says.
These trainings are intended to enhance knowledge and skills among the general population including drivers, passengers and pedestrians, enabling them to provide immediate assistance to people injured on roads.
Madam Tamba adds: “The loss of the life of a single person is as a tragedy, which can be avoided. We encourage road users to take advantage of the LNRCS first aid training to help save lives.”–Press release
