First Aid training for teachers in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) has launched an ambitious initiative – to give First Aid training to teachers throughout the Caymans.

The program, officially launched on World First Aid Day, will be of benefit to more than 50 schools – government and private, pre-school, primary and secondary schools, on all three islands.

CIRC director Ms Jondo Obi said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies wants to scale up First Aid programs world-wide and “In response to this world-wide initiative, we have decided to launch our Teacher Training program as a community-based solution to First Aid education here.”

The business community has been approached to sponsor the year-long initiative. Current funding will allow 200 teachers to be trained; additional funding is being sought to finish train the remaining teachers.

“The generous sponsorship of Cayman-based companies allows us to provide valuable First Aid training to an important group within our community,” explained Peter Hughes, CIRC training manager.

He said “Often, school budgets do not permit such training to take place, unless teachers take it upon themselves to pay.”

Speaking about the program, Hughes said “Teachers and teacher’s assistants have the responsibility for educating and safeguarding our children, whilst at school. To that end, they should be suitably equipped and trained to provide these services and we, at the Cayman Islands Red Cross, are ready to provide what they require.”

Red Cross volunteers, trained as instructors, will conduct sessions. At least 400-500 teachers will be trained.