First aid training is a vital aspect of healthcare delivery which calls for its education, enabling individuals to respond effectively and efficiently in emergency situations. As future pharmacists and healthcare professionals there is the need to get exposed to first aid skills in order to help save lives in emergency situations.
On March 14, 2025, the GPSA Health and Safety Committee hosted a transformative Basic Life Support (BLS) training session at Lecture Hall 1 of the New Pharmacy Building, KNUST. This crucial initiative aimed to equip Doctor of Pharmacy students with essential first aid skills and how to transport victims of an accident, fostering a culture of emergency preparedness within the pharmaceutical community.
Under the guidance of Senior EMT Akwasi Agyemang from the Ghana Ambulance Service, the four-hour workshop offered hands-on training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound and burn management, as well as the treatment of sprains and strains. The interactive format, including pre- and post-training assessments, allowed 97 participants to evaluate their knowledge and track improvement.
Planning for the event was meticulous. The Health Committee, alongside volunteers from GPSA and the Health Students’ Association, conducted needs assessments and leveraged social media and class announcements to generate interest. Despite challenges such as limited resources and last-minute participant surges, the event maintained its quality and purpose.
This event stands as a testament to the proactive spirit of GPSA-KNUST in preparing students for real-world health crises. With continued support, the committee aims to expand such programs and promote life-saving knowledge across all health-related faculties.
Together, we can make every student a potential lifesaver.
Reported by – Sylvester Opoku-Donkor (Rx 28)