By Nasratu Kargbo
The American Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone has trained fifteen journalists from print and electronic media including six staff from Politico on emergency first-aid response. According to the Embassy’s Medical Attache’, Dr. Kathleen Horsley, it is important that journalists get the basic life-saving skills in case of emergencies.
Dr. Horshley who was the facilitator said that the training was to give journalists hands-on knowledge on how to administer first aid to themselves or individuals that may be injured or in other life-threatening situations.
She said the journalists were not going to be doctors overnight, but that they’ll be in place to help in saving someone’s life by stabilizing them while waiting to receive professional medical help.
Amongst the things she taught was the MARCH acronym which means Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia. She explained that MARCH is a tactic that can be used during the administration of emergency first-aid by ensuring that the most important issue is addressed first.
She explained that the way to stop massive hemorrhage or excessive bleeding is by applying pressure on the wound, adding that if the bleeding continues one can use a tourniquet high and tight on the limb or arm in order to stop blood flow.
The Doctor showed journalists how they can make an improvised tourniquet out of a piece of cloth and stick, and also demonstrated how it can be done.
Speaking on the airway, she explained that it is important that the injured individual breathe. Dr. Horsley stated that if the individual is unconscious, their airway can be cleared by tilting their head back and lifting their chin.
She also demonstrated using one of the embassy staff, how first-aid can be applied to a bleeding victim.
She also gave a brief explanation of circulation and respiration saying it is important that blood circulates in the body, and that the caregiver should ensure no air goes through the upper body of the victim.
Dr. Horsley stated that is it important that in the case of burns, for example, the victim should be wrapped in order for them not to lose the body heat. The doctor explained that hypothermia is exposure to cold and noted that many victims of the Wellington fuel fire disaster succumbed to their wounds due to hypothermia.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (19/04/23)
