Staff Trained In First Aid

Employees of Mossel Bay Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (MBAPD) recently completed a first aid training course aimed at strengthening their emergency response skills, with a strong focus on assisting children. The training took place on 10 and 11 February and was presented by Metro Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The two-day course combined theory with practical demonstrations, ensuring that staff members were not only informed but confident in applying first aid correctly in real-life situations. While general first aid principles remain the same, special attention was given to the critical differences between administering first aid to children versus adults.

Metro EMS explained that children are not simply “small adults.” Their bodies are still developing, which means their airways are narrower, their bones are more fragile, and their responses to injury or illness can be much faster and more severe. For example, when performing CPR on a child, the pressure and technique used are very different from that used on an adult. Too much force can cause serious injury, while too little may be ineffective. The same applies to choking emergencies, where age-appropriate techniques must be used to safely clear an airway.

Another important difference highlighted was how children communicate pain or distress. Younger children may struggle to explain what they are feeling, requiring caregivers to rely on observation, calm reassurance, and quick assessment. Managing panic — both the child’s and that of bystanders — was also a key part of the training.

For Mossel Bay APD, this training is especially relevant, as staff regularly work with children with disabilities who may have additional medical or communication needs. Being equipped with the correct knowledge and skills ensures safer environments and faster, more effective responses during emergencies.

Mossel Bay APD extends its sincere appreciation to Metro EMS for providing practical, professional, and empowering training that will benefit not only staff, but the broader community they serve.