As the vacation comes to an end schools have been preparing for possible emergencies and disasters. From August 6 - 9, 2012, the International Organization with Migration (IOM) in partnership with Pohnpei State Department of Education (PDoE) conducted a four-day first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with public school educators at the Department of Education Training Center. Ms. Rihna Jimmy of the PDoE requested assistance from IOM to conduct a basic first aid training, covering the treatment of injuries, CPR exercises among other important topics.

Each day, the training center was filled with a new set of educators, eager to absorb new information on how to protect the welfare of their young learners. In total, 42 teaching staff in the PDoE attended the training. In addition to Pohnpei Island, teaching staff from the outer islands of Pingelap, Mwoakilloa, Sapwuahfik, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi were in attendance.  The trainings were given in one four-hour sessions.

First Aid Training materials (bandaging supplies and gloves) were provided by IOM. The use of eight CPR mannequins and 60 face barrier shields were generously donated by MAHI International, a local partner of IOM

The training was administered by Mr. Rick Herman, Emergency Response Adviser for IOM based in Pohnpei.  The training was delivered under the Climate Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Education (CADRE) Program. The CADRE Program is being implemented by IOM on behalf of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). The Program aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities in the FSM and the RMI to climate change and climate-induced natural hazards. During the training, Mr. Herman was able to teach participants about bleeding control, bandaging, proper donning and doffing techniques for gloves, impalements, special considerations in head/neck/chest/abdominal wounds, burns, bone fractures, and CPR.

Throughout the course, the teaching staff were engaged and actively demonstrated their skills in the administration of First Aid and CPR. Ms Jimmy commented: “PDoE would like all teaching staff to be refreshed in these important topics so that they are ready to respond to emergency medical incidents.”

For further information contact:

IOM Micronesia
Tel.:(691) 320 – 8735/95
Website: http://micronesia.iom.int/