FEATURE | The College Red Cross Youth Council-Castilla Campus (CRCYC-CC) successfully hosted its first-ever Emergency First Aid Training (EFAT) on February 27, 2025, at the SORSU Farmer’s Training Center, Castilla Campus. This one-day event aimed to equip students, faculty, and staff with essential first aid skills to confidently respond to various emergency situations.
A total of 18 Youth Volunteer First Aid (YVFC) completers, CRCYC members, and participants, including three teaching staff and two non-teaching staff, were in attendance. The training featured a warm welcome from the instructors, namely Floryan H. Abotanatin, EMT; Jay-Ar Navarro, EMT; and John Paul B. Andaya, EMR, who played pivotal roles in the success of the event.
The program began with an opening ceremony that included a prayer, the Philippine National Anthem, the SorSu Hymn, and the Red Cross Hymn. Master of ceremonies, Ken Ana Alvarado, welcomed all participants to the event. In her remarks, CRCYC President Rhea E. Fulgueras expressed her appreciation for the event and the importance of first aid training. Juramel Guatno, a CRCYC member, formally greeted Campus Director Prof. Andrew F. Detera, Mrs. Melody L. Llabres, and the guest instructors, while Prof. Detera offered a heartwarming message to the participants, emphasizing the value of learning life-saving skills.
The first training session, led by Mr. Floryan H. Abotanatin, EMT, focused on first aid principles and emergency response procedures. Through a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Abotanatin introduced Module 1: Introduction to First Aid and Basic Life Support, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In the afternoon, the training shifted to hands-on activities, where participants practiced essential first aid methods for various emergencies.
The second session, conducted by Mr. John Paul B. Andaya, EMR, involved practical demonstrations on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Mr. Andaya guided the participants through performing CPR on mannequins and real partners. He also demonstrated step-by-step procedures for handling choking emergencies, managing common injuries such as fractures and bleeding, and properly immobilizing injuries.
The final session, led by Mr. Jay-Ar Navarro, EMT, focused on the proper techniques for lifting and carrying an injured person. Mr. Navarro demonstrated and guided participants in performing these crucial tasks with safety and precision. Additionally, he taught the correct method for bandaging wounds and injuries using a triangular bandage. Throughout the sessions, the instructors provided valuable feedback to help participants master the skills needed for first aid and emergency response.
The training concluded with a heartfelt message from CRCYC Adviser Ma’am Helen L. Sicad, who praised the participants for their enthusiasm and acknowledged the instructors for their dedication. In recognition of their valuable contributions, certificates were awarded to the instructors for their guidance, and the participants received certificates for their active participation.
This emergency first aid training is expected to significantly enhance the ability of the youth volunteers and college staff to respond effectively to emergencies, both within the college community and beyond. The event marked a significant step in empowering the CRCYC members to provide essential support during critical situations.
✒️ : Rhea Fulgueras | Feature Writer
📷 : Neil Dellosa, Sam James Bonaobra
