COMMUNITIES have been urged to support initiatives that provide accessible first aid education to all.
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) national president Edson Mlambo said this at the commemorations to mark World First Aid Day in Highfield on Saturday.
World First Aid Day is an annual opportunity for everybody to promote and gain knowledge in first aid, which is celebrated every second Saturday of September.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme, First aid and sport.
Seventeen teams representing different companies participated in a first aid competition that was organised by ZRCS.
“Let us advocate mandatory first aid training in schools and sports clubs,” said Mlambo.
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“Let us support initiatives that provide accessible first aid education to all. And let us remember that the essence of first aid is not just in the act of saving lives but in the spirit of compassion and humanity that drives us to help one another.
“I urge all of you to take this message to heart. Embrace the knowledge and skills of first aid, share them with others and support the initiatives that make first aid accessible to everyone.
“Together, we can create a safer, more prepared world, one where the principles of first aid are woven into the fabric of our daily lives.”
Mlambo said this year's theme, First aid and sport, spoke to the overarching quest to try and change the way the world thought about first aid.
“Wherever you are in the world, first aid is essential for all human life. This truly makes it an important global event, leading to its name, World First Aid Day,” he said.
“Today, we celebrate not just the knowledge and skills that save lives, but also the spirit of solidarity and care that first aid embodies.”
Mlambo said the importance of first aid in sports extended beyond professional athletes; it included school sports, community games and recreational activities that we all enjoy.
ZRCS secretary-general Elias Hwenga said his organisation had long been at the forefront of providing critical first aid services and training.
“Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, driven by a deep-seated belief that everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to life-saving knowledge and skills,” he said.
“Today, I am proud to highlight our achievements and reaffirm our dedication to being the leader in first aid within our nation.”
He said ZRCS's partnerships with government ministries, corporate entities, humanitarian organisations and community groups had been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of their programmes.
Eureka Gold Mine emerged winners in the first aid competition that drew teams from as far afield as Gwanda, Mutare and Guruve.