with Dan G: World Red Crescent Day

Recently, the local red crescent society had organized a state-level event in conjunction with the World Red Crescent Day, and the whole event took place from 9th June to 12th June 2010. I had the honour to be invited as the guest judge in the First Aid Competition where fellow participants came from all 14 chapters around the state.

The Stadium

Tents in the hall

Participants waiting in groups

The response was the highest so far according to Mr.Simon, the coordinator from its learning and development department. For a quick recap just in case some of you might not know, the competition subdivides into 3 categories. The quiz bee, the relay and the classical/community event.

The food stalls

Getting ready

In the quiz bee, there are sets of questions regarding first aid and is done in the pop quiz manner. All groups are given an attempt to answer the same question and marks will be given for the correct answers. This event took place at night. And yes, participants from all over the state built camps here and stayed for 3 consecutive nights.

Briefing for the relay

Simulators

The relay event takes place where each team comprising of 4 active members with a reserve are required to respond to 9 sets of questions within 10mins. Each member is allowed to attempt one question and after completing the task, the next member would have to attempt the next. They have to run for a distance to reach the task area where a simulated patient waiting for them. Then, they have to perform the first aid task as fast and correctly as possible.

Make up in progress

The scene

Simulators take their turns

The community event mainly touches on health issues in the community. Group members are given the scenario and they have to act out appropriately. Besides community, they have to attempt classical event, where trauma and emergency ensues. In this event, they are tested for first aid knowledge and to apply directly on the scenarios given. This can be a challenging task as the leadership and team work qualities are being assessed as well.

Reading attentively

Doing their job

Let's do it!

I had to literally translate the question in mandarin, ahaha.. But they did well!

Ahh...my neck!

Overall, it's an eye opener for me as well. I had the opportunity to meet one of the bosses who was recently promoted and transferred. I had not the opportunity to work with him before but I heard he was a humble and down to earth person. Well, that's really true. We had a chat and I found him to be very approachable. He is indeed an inspiration. Nowadays, you don't find many people who are passionate with their work.

Participant A: Are you sure that's a real baby?
Why? Don't believe? Come and see for yourself la..hehe

Cleaning the wound

Ahh.. my leg hurt! and I can't move my head!!

Besides, I have the opportunity to work with a team of judges from various fields and it was really fun. By the way, the participants are divided into 2 group categories, mainly the youth and VAD (Voluntary aid detachment). VAD are those above 18 years of age.