‘For emergencies’ — Red Cross trains journalists on first aid in Cross River

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has trained 25 journalists on first aid in Calabar, the capital of Cross River state.

In a statement on Thursday, Chima Nwankwo, NRCS’s communications and advocacy coordinator, said the three-day training was designed to equip media professionals with life-saving skills for emergencies.

Nwankwo added that the training was supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

“Participants received hands-on training in CPR, wound management, and more,” he said.

“The initiative underscores the critical role of first aid knowledge in ensuring safety within and beyond media environments.”

He quoted Eni Joseph, the NRSC secretary in Cross River, as saying that first aid knowledge is crucial for journalists due to the risks associated with their profession.

“The primary objective of first aid is to save lives and promote swift recovery,” Joseph added.

“The idea of training journalists in first aid is actually not new. This is the second time we are doing it.

“Given your line of work, you are exposed to a certain level of risk. The knowledge of first aid could be very useful at work, to help colleagues, family, and friends. It is a life-saving skill you need to have.”

Nwankwo noted that Daniel Edobor, a first aid trainer, taught the journalists critical skills such as placing casualties in recovery positions, performing CPR, controlling bleeding, managing fractures, treating home injuries, and safely transporting casualties to hospitals.

“Twenty-five journalists from various media outlets received ICRC-certified first aid kits and certificates upon completing the interactive training,” he said.