First Aid Training for Community Rangers

This weekend 25 of our most committed community rangers gathered at the Kasaani Group for Protection of Animals, Community Education Centre to attend 'Emergency First Response' training. The training was focused around potential health emergencies the rangers might have to deal with whilst in the bush and within their communities. Our fantastic volunteer trainer Rachel Crouthers, guided the rangers through how to respond in an emergency situation and how to give primary and secondary care to injured and ill persons. 

We soon discovered the members hidden talent for acting as we ran through emergency scenarios such as snake bites, attack by large aggressive mammals like buffalo or elephant and ambush by poachers. The training focused on the personal safety of the rangers, stressing that you cant help anybody if you become injured yourself. 

During the training the rangers received First Aid Kits to take into the field on patrols to ensure they will have the necessary supplies to deal with an emergency in the bush. This training along with the provision of the first aid kits makes us feel a whole lot better about sending our rangers out into the bush and potentially dangerous situations involving poachers and dangerous wildlife. The training also makes the rangers an asset to their communities, enabling them to respond to emergency situations within their villages which are often far from medical facilities and have limited access to transport. 

The response to the training was absolutely fantastic. The rangers were extremely enthusiastic to acquire the new skills and knowledge. The only complaint at the end of the two day training session was that they wanted more! Special thanks to Rachel Crouthers for volunteering her time and skills and also to Simon Rushton for allowing us to use his EFR training kit.