Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Teachers Empowered with First Aid Skills Ahead of World First Aid Day

Suva, Fiji – In the lead-up to World First Aid Day, more than 40 teachers from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Secondary School took part in a life-saving First Aid training session, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond to emergencies in their classrooms and school grounds.

The session, facilitated by Viliame Cocker from the Fiji Red Cross Society, provided hands-on training in critical First Aid skills, from performing CPR to managing cuts, burns, and fractures—situations teachers may face when working with children and students. As educators responsible for the well-being of hundreds of young people, the teachers stressed the importance of having the skills and confidence to act quickly in emergencies.

“Being in charge of so many young lives, it’s crucial that we are not only educators but protectors as well,” said one of the participating teachers. “In the event of an accident or medical emergency, knowing how to provide immediate help can prevent a minor situation from becoming a tragedy.”

The event was organized as part of the Fiji Red Cross Society’s outreach efforts in the lead-up to World First Aid Day, celebrated globally on September 14th. The annual event aims to raise awareness of how basic First Aid knowledge can save lives, emphasizing that anyone, anywhere, can be the difference between life and death in critical moments.

First Aid instructor Viliame Cocker explained, “We believe that First Aid training is essential for everyone, but especially for those working in schools. Teachers are the first point of contact when children are injured, and their immediate response can have a huge impact on the outcome.”

For the teachers of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, the training couldn’t have come at a better time. They shared that being in a busy school environment means facing everything from playground injuries to more serious incidents like allergic reactions, fainting, or asthma attacks. Having First Aid training gives them not only the practical skills but also the confidence to act swiftly and appropriately.

“First Aid is not just about knowing what to do—it’s about having the presence of mind to do it when it matters most,” said another teacher. “Now we feel better equipped to handle anything that comes our way, knowing that we can make a difference before professional help arrives.”

The Fiji Red Cross Society’s initiative also serves as a call to action for the wider community. With First Aid being such a critical skill, the organization encourages everyone to consider becoming a certified first-aider, ensuring that more people in the community are ready to provide help in emergencies.

As World First Aid Day approaches, the Fiji Red Cross continues to visit schools and communities across the country, hoping to spread awareness and practical skills that could one day save a life. The teachers at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Secondary School stand as a shining example of how empowering individuals with First Aid training can make a lasting impact—not just in their classrooms, but in their communities as well.

“World First Aid Day isn’t just a reminder of what can go wrong—it’s a reminder of how we can all be prepared to make it right.”

For more information on how to become a certified first-aider, contact the Fiji Red Cross Society on 3314 133 or email Riaz Khan on riaz.khan@redcross.com.fj and take the first step in becoming someone’s lifeline.