Training in first aid and providing supportive tools for local community support groups 

To help build resilience and local communities' ability to respond to injuries or accidents during disaster season, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) facilitated a 2-day training session on first aid in the province of Quang Tri from March 9th to March 10th of 2024. In collaboration with trainers from the Red Cross Society of Quang tri province and funded by Caritas Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This first aid training was organised as a part of the ongoing project “Together We Can” (VM075). There was a total of 22 participants who are villagers, able people with disabilities and caregivers of people with disabilities, volunteered from three project communes to join the community support group, which will thereafter be able to support their villagers and community before, during and after the disaster with a view to minimize the potential human and asset loss. 

Being aware of the first aids' importance during the disaster, the participants spent a lot of time to practice skills of helping victims in cases of temporarily stop breathing, bleeding, bone fracture, being drown, safe transfer of the victims, etc. The participants also exercised first aids skills outdoor to enable them to experience circumstances in practice. Sharing right after the training ended "We are thankful to the project for this very useful and practical training which is relevant to us in this low land area, where disaster often happens. The training helps build the onsite force to support the community in actively coping with the disaster." 
Other quotes from participants after completing the first aid training session:  

“After 2 useful days, we have learned so much about first aid. I will share back with other members of my community these skills, and I am ready to join the community support group.” 

“These training sessions were useful. I am a member of this community, and this is my first time taking part in these training sessions, I hope to be accepted into the community support group. The organisation and logistics are thoughtful and relevant.” 

“There were 2 days of useful training. It’s better that the training sessions are held often, so that when disasters occur, we can better protect and help the community.” 

“I am a community health worker; I have taken part in a few of the training sessions and have practiced a lot which has helped me improve my skills.” 

Quote from the first aid trainer: 

“The training content is useful, and we encourage the community to share this information through combined local activities. I hope these skills will be shared and applied when needed, but hopefully, they won’t be needed often. We also share our phone number so participants can contact us if they need support.”