Uganda Red Cross Society(URSC) has launched a first aid blended learning training smartphone application.
The application combines e-learning via a smartphone application and a practical one-day in-class training which helps members of the public get training in offering first aid and also get certificates from the Uganda Red Cross Society.
Speaking during the launch at Kampala Serena Hotel in Kampala, the state minister for Labour, Esther Anyakun hailed the application as a gamechanger in equipping members of the public with skills in first aid.
“This is a significant step towards our collective effort to promote health safety and innovation. First aid saves lives and is often the first most crucial link in the chain surviving during emergencies. Therefore, this application will help equip as many Ugandans as possible with first aid skills which will save many lives,” Anyakun said.
She said the application will also bridge the gap of access to first aid training.
“Despite its importance, access to first aid training remains limited, especially in remote areas and underserved areas. Therefore, the introduction of this blended learning tool and application is a gamechanger in empowering Ugandans regardless of location with essential life-saving skills.”
The Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General, Robert Kwesiga said first aid is key since when injuries happen, the first call is on what is done first before one is taken for further medical attention.
“As individuals, we take charge of our own basic health. If some of us don’t have this first aid skills, it means we have a missing link in taking charge of our own health. Minor injuries can become severe but with first aid skills, this can be averted,” Kwesiga said.
He said with the application, members of the public ill not be going to URCS offices to learn first aid skills but rather do it on their smartphones.
“The question has been on how to train people on how to do first aid in this era of technology and digital transformation. We are saying, in Uganda, everybody now has a smartphone and instead of always coming to class, you can get training wherever you are. Whether in your office, sitting room or anywhere else.”
Kwesiga said with the application, members of the public only got to Uganda Red Cross for practical lessons for one day, making it easy and convenient.
He said this application will help in terms of road safety as many Ugandans will now have skills to offer first aid to accident victims.
“This application will basically complement existing first aid trainings we have including first aid for first responders, at the work place, CPR and refresher course among others.”
Peter Kibor, the representative of the Belgian Red Cross that developed the application said it will ensure as many people as possible have first aid skills.
“The application brings us the opportunity to take care of ourselves, families and communities. This is the opportunity for Gen Zs to shine and show us they are better in being tech survey,” Kibor said.
According to Uganda Red Cross, one will need to pay shs150,000 for the training on the application.
