Fifteen field officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have been certified in First Aid after a four-day training session facilitated by the St John’s Ambulance Association.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the sessions were held as part of activities to mark Occupational Health and Safety month. They were hosted at the Omai Training Centre, Brickdam.
At an appreciation ceremony, GGMC Deputy Human Resources Manager Ruth Howard said first aid training is vital in any organisation. She said it optimises human resources, behaviour skills and increases knowledge and personal growth. She said that training also boosts employees’ job knowledge and will help to increase productivity while allowing the organisation to achieve its long-term goals. Howard also noted that this cannot be truly utilised without management’s commitment as it would require them to be positive about the organisation’s development at all times.
Howard also encouraged employees not to look at the training as just first aid but as an essential tool that will equip them to handle emergencies especially in the workplace. “Training is important regardless of what and I am imploring in all of you to take your training seriously and for the future batch when you are asked to go to training do it in a positive manner, since it is a skill that can help save a life,” she said.
Occupational Health and Safety Officer at GGMC Yvette Wilson told the participants that training in first aid is essential especially in remote areas where most of the field officers are stationed. She said that this new skill will help them to provide assistance in case of an emergency. Wilson said the GGMC viewed the emergency training as necessary as “from time to time persons would approach officers in the case of an emergency in mining and logging camps.
“In the past when incidents like these occurred, our officers were not equipped to render assistance. As promoting Occupational, Health and Safety we thought it quite timely to incorporate this ceremony to prove to you how important it is that OH&S can promote first aid training as one aspect of care,” she said.
Training facilitator Dr Holly Alexander said that since St John’s started in Guyana in 1933 it has provided health care assistance for many. She also urged the participants to continue training in this area. “I am happy that you are part of the association’s team that persons can turn to in the need of an emergency. Remember you have seconds to save lives and you should use it in the right manner,” she said.
