Training individuals in first-aid and self-help in emergencies from early years of life is crucial, said Masoud Habibi, head of the Youth Organization affiliated to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
“Due to the significance of such training in saving human lives on the one hand and securing the health of family members on the other, the program has now received great impetus on the agenda of international red cross and crescent societies,” he said at the first national conference on the role of children and young adults in sustainable development, held in Tehran University, Mehr News Agency reported.
In the early years of its establishment, the focus of the IRCS turned to children only after disaster struck, but recently the organization has made self-care training of children and adolescents a priority.
Based on scientific findings and extensive field research, children make up the most vulnerable group in the event of any natural or unnatural incident or disaster, which is why addressing them is among the Sustainable Development Goals (2030).
Until 2007, the IRCS provided training to those above 12 years only. Since then, first-aid training including knowing the first-aid kit, how to use the tools inside and finding immediate safety in case of an earthquake (one of the most common disasters responsible for thousands of deaths in Iran) was also put on the agenda.
“Over one million kids and adolescents have been trained so far so as to take quick action to protect themselves before adults or rescue teams reach a disaster area, or which emergency numbers to call in case of a road accident where parents have lost consciousness,” Habibi said.
Materials Distributed
Children under the age of 12 are trained by teachers and caretakers at kindergartens or preschools.
“They are provided with materials including specialized journals in philanthropy and first-aid for children. These have been distributed among a number of educational centers for kids.”
Stressing that humanitarian principles and action is of essence in the trainings, the IRCS official said children who learn about such issues from a young age will surely become influential social pillars ready to protect life and health in adulthood. Childhood is the best time to teach kids to be amicable and philanthropic.
Social problems, including separation or divorce of parents is isolating children and affecting their social skills, he noted, and stressed that training in self-care and self-help is needed more than ever before.
“That is why the IRCS has done its utmost to put the spotlight on children’s training over the past five years.”
The IRCS activities, in other areas, are also focused on providing rehabilitation services to children and in certain cases financial aid to the families so as to prevent them from entering the circle of working children.
