Business score on first-aid course

A USUALLY pricey first-aid course which was organised by the Observatory Improvement District (OBSID) was reduced to R250 per person in an effort to assist local businesses in the hospitality and service sector. The usual price of a first-aid course would cost R450, but Observatory businesses received a subsidy.
The businesses which attended the course were 33 South Backpackers, Bohemian Loft Backpackers, Green Elephant Backpackers, Observatory Improvement District (OBSID), Riverlodge Backpackers, Friends of the Liesbeek, as well as Mariagrazia Galimberti, a local resident.
The level-one first-aid course was led by Andrew Moore from Medical Education Centre, and included a level-one certificate, course material, an emergency key ring, and refreshments.
Those who attended the first day of the two-day course received latex gloves and the CPR mouthpiece, two items which Andrew said “you cannot do without”.
Kenneth Roman, the Observatory field worker for the homeless, said that this course is equipping him with the necessary skills to tackle a situation which before he was unsure of what to do. “I'm going to be positive next time when I see someone in need ... I will be able to take control of the emergency, where previously I couldn't,” he said.
OBSID chief operating officer Ursula van Stavel said: “The reason why we sent our staff there is that we want our staff to be empowered to assist with CPR ... if there is help needed in the community, we want our staff to be able to help.”
Apart from emergency procedures such as CPR, the participants were briefed on the various emergency numbers such as 112 (the cellphone networks’ emergency number), 082 911 (Netcare’s emergency number) and 107 (the emergency number from any landline).
One of the many tips that Andrew gave the participants is that the fire brigade responds faster to emergency calls than ambulances do. Even though Groote Schuur Hospital is situated in Main Road, the ambulances at the hospital are not there for emergency calls.