First Aid training for 7 villages

Our 2020 medical team was able to give the amazing gift of First Aid and CPR training to 7 villages. Camellia Bustard and Larry our Nicaraguan friend and translator worked with people in the villages, and gave each participant a first aid kit. Our conviction that First Aid training was a very important component of our medical clinics was strengthened when we learned of a child dying weeks before we arrived, probably due to the fact that no one was trained to know what to do for her injury. We hope to continue to train the people everytime we return.

Attentive participants

Homemade stretchers - a little racing fun

Larry, one of COMMIT's translators is also a first aid instructor. Here he teaches participants how to put someone in the recovery position.

NPH workers receive First Aid Training

This year our team provided First Aid training to all of the Tias and Tios from the NPH home. They were trained by Larry and had some fun filled days. We were happy to provide this very important and valuable training for the people who look after the children at the orphanage daily. We hope to provide Level 2 training next year when our team returns.

Practicing the skills they have learned during their 1st Aid training

Level 1 First-aid and CPR

Our team provided the funds and assisted with delivering First Aid for 21 "brigadistas" from remote communities around the city of Nandaime. Many traveled over an hour by bike/motorcycle or car. Some of these areas are very remote and the villagers do not have access to transportation to get to the closest medical center. Therefore having people in the village who can deliver basic medical care can be life saving ! We heard a story last year of a man who sliced his leg open with a machete and his wife had to sew him up with a needle and thread, because their road was washed away by the rain.
Our team hired a local Nicaraguan first aid instructor who did a fantastic job of training the chosen group. Dr. Doug taught wound suturing and Janice and Laura taught how to take a blood pressure and assisted with bandaging. Each graduate received their own 1st Aid kit on completion of the course.
Our plan for next year is to make sure all our newly trained brigadistas have a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. A level 2 First Aid course is planned for next year as well.