The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, in collaboration with Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH), successfully conducted the Training on Standard First Aid, Basic Life Support and the Proper Use of Automated External Defibrillators on March 3-7, 2025 at Café Virginia in Surigao City.
The training aimed to equip participants with essential life-saving skills and emergency response techniques. A select number of employees participated in the training. Led by Dr. Glenn Afred Norris D. Baban, MD, EMT-B, and a team of highly skilled medical professionals, the program provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to enhance workplace safety and community preparedness.
On Day 1, the overview of the course and house rules were given and expectation setting was carried out. To gauge the participants’ initial understanding, a pre-test on Basic Life Support was conducted before the first set of lectures was given. The discussions covered key topics such as the Principles of Emergency Care led by Mr. Ralph Anthony Manzanares, RN, and an Introduction to Basic Life Support delivered by Ms. Rosalie S. Betarmos, RN. The sessions also tackled critical life-saving procedures, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO), and Rescue Breathing. Trainers provided live demonstrations, ensuring that participants gained practical knowledge in handling medical emergencies effectively. The first day concluded with hands-on training in Infant and Adult CPR, FBAO management, and a Post-Intervention Evaluation (PIE) to assess comprehension and engagement.
Day 2 opened with a recap of the previous day’s discussions, followed by a post-test and rationalization session. Participants were then divided into smaller groups and assigned to different skill stations, where they rotated through various practical exercises under the supervision of CRH trainers. Each participant was evaluated based on standardized criteria to ensure mastery of the essential techniques. The day ended with a reflection session to assess whether the training objectives and expectations had been met, followed by a group photo session with representatives from MGB RO XIII and CRH.
To mark the start of the Standard First Aid Training, Day 3 began with an orientation session led by Mr. Jaymar O. Abalo, RN, who introduced the trainers and outlined the course objectives. A pre-test was conducted before delving into the discussions on First Aid Concepts and Principles, Emergency Action Principles, and essential first-response techniques. Subsequent lectures covered a wide range of medical emergencies, including fever management, breathing difficulties, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, diabetic emergencies, allergies, poisoning, and heat-related illnesses. Trainers provided real-world case scenarios, allowing participants to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving exercises related to emergency medical care.
On Day 4, the focus shifted to trauma-related injuries and advanced first-aid techniques. Sessions covered wound care, bandaging techniques, burn management, and musculoskeletal injuries, followed by discussions on splinting and the safe transfer of injured individuals. Additional topics included special considerations such as drowning, shock, non-institutional deliveries, mass casualty incidents, hazardous spills, and emergency response to potential terrorist acts. In the afternoon, participants took part in a plenary session, engaging in a series of skill-based exercises at designated training stations. Each group had the opportunity to practice and refine their techniques under the guidance of expert trainers.
The final day began with a recap of key learnings, followed by the post-test examination and rationalization. Participants then underwent their final skills demonstration, rotating through various stations to apply their acquired knowledge and techniques in simulated real-life scenarios. The training concluded with a graduation ceremony, where certificates were awarded to all participants who successfully completed the Basic Life Support and Standard First Aid training programs. In the same way, Caraga Regional Hospital recognized outstanding performers by awarding the Top 3 participants for the Basic Life Support Training, as well as special awards for the Standard First Aid Training, including Best in Bandaging, Best in Splinting, and Best in Transferring the Injured.This intensive five-day training proved to be an invaluable experience, empowering participants with critical life-saving skills and emergency response capabilities. By ensuring that personnel from MGB RO XIII are well-trained in first aid and basic life support, the program significantly contributes to a safer work environment and enhances the region’s overall emergency preparedness.
