Introduce first aid lessons in school, Govt told

St. John Ambulance Eastern Regional staffing officer Eunice Mugendi has asked the Ministry of Education to introduce first aid lessons into the school curriculum.

Mugendi said that making the classes mandatory would save lives as more Kenyans will know what to do in the event of a crisis.  She went on to explain that a large number of accident victims die because first responders manage them wrongly.

The St. John Ambulance official adds that with the numerous fire outbreaks in schools, first aid training is vital as it would ensure that students are able to respond in a proper manner.

Regional Executive Officer Nelson Mwaniki says that the St John Training Competition, which is an annual event, seeks to equip and enhance competence in responding to emergencies and accidents. Mwaniki says that the skills imparted to students will have a ripple effect to the communities and to the country at large.

The two were speaking at Don Bosco High School during the regional inter-schools first aid competition – a contest that drew competitors from schools in Embu, Tharaka and Kirinyaga counties.