US Embassy in Freetown Holds Emergency First-Aid Training for Journalists
By: Christian Conteh
The US Embassy in Freetown on Wednesday 12th April 2023 held an emergency first-aid response Training for journalists in Freetown. The training according to the Press and Media Coordinator Alhassan Jalloh was to equip journalists with basic lifesaving skills that could be useful in instances of emergencies. The training comes at a time when Sierra Leone is preparing to go to the polls in June this year.
Dr Kathlene Horsley a medical provider and the embassy’s medical attaché was the lead facilitator. She said that the training was not intended to make journalists medical doctors but to equip them with lifesaving skills as they cover events that may degenerate into chaos.
Key among the first aid skills taught was how to stop massive haemorrhage (bleeding), ensure that an individual’s airway is clear and free from obstruction, identify respiratory distress and attend to it, ensure the promotion of blood circulation and make sure the individual who is being attended to does not lose heat and develop hypothermia.
This is fondly known as the MARCH theory. In summary, the theory provides a comprehensive approach to emergency first aid care by addressing the most critical aspects of an emergency situation. By following the MARCH protocol, non-medical professionals who are trained can provide the necessary interventions to stabilize the patient and prevent further harm until medical care can be administered.
During the training, Dr Horsley explained that the first step in dealing with massive haemorrhage or severe bleeding is to apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. If the bleeding does not stop, a tourniquet should be used, which is a tight band tied around the limb above the wound to reduce blood flow.
“The tourniquet [professional or improvised] must be tied high up the limb and not just directly above the wound. Also, it must be tight,” she said. Adding that a broad piece of material like a headscarf or a tie can be used as an improvised tourniquet.
Dr Horsley also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the individual's airway is clear and free from any obstruction. If the person is unconscious, their airway can be cleared by tilting their head back and lifting their chin. Any visible objects that may be blocking the airway should also be removed.
In case an individual is having trouble breathing, Dr Horsley advised helping them sit up straight and loosen any tight clothing around their neck and chest. If necessary, rescue breaths can be given by giving two quick breaths and then waiting for the chest to rise before giving two more breaths.
To promote blood circulation, Dr Horsley recommended placing the individual on their back and elevating their legs, which will help blood flow to vital organs. If the person is not breathing, chest compressions should be performed to circulate blood manually.
Finally, Dr Horsley stressed the importance of keeping the individual warm, particularly if they are in shock or have lost a lot of blood, to prevent hypothermia. She suggested covering them with blankets or any available clothing.
She ended her presentation with some practical demonstrations of how to apply the various life-saving techniques she had taught. A question and answer session was entertained. Participants were drawn from both print and electronic media.