On January 27-28, 2025, Southern Leyte State University -Maasin City Campus held a 2-day seminar about First aid in the workplace and disaster risk reduction management conducted by CDRRMO-Maasin at the AVR of SLSU-Maasin City Campus. The event aimed to empower on-the-job training students to respond effectively to emergencies.  It equips participants with essential first aid skills to provide immediate assistance in case of accidents or injuries, while also teaching disaster preparedness strategies to minimize risks and impact. This comprehensive approach creates a safer and more resilient workplace environment

On the first day, the program commenced with a warm welcome message delivered by Ms. Riza Sagareno. Followed by, Leonisa Zamora who introduced the resource speakers: Mr. Heddy R. Carbonilla, Mr. Rolito J. Royeras Jr., Mr. Dag Hyalmar Navarette and Engr. Marcelo Michael L. Samaco.

The first speaker to discuss was Mr. Heddy R. Carbonilla, he talked about the Basic Disaster Concept, which encompasses the understanding of natural or human-made events that cause significant harm to people, property, and the environment. Understanding basic disaster concepts involves recognizing the risks, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts of such events, as well as the importance of preparedness, mitigation, and effort response. Mr. Carbonilla also discussed the difference between disaster and hazard, how to recognize vulnerabilities and exposures, and by understanding the concept of capacity and how it will help individuals and communities prepare for and respond effectively to emergencies. This knowledge empowers people to ultimately reduce disaster risk. 

The next speaker was, Engr. Marcelo Michael L. Samaco, his discussion focused on the basic climate change concepts. He discussed that the earth's climate is warming due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The global warming leads to various impacts, including rising sea level, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to environment. He also discussed the gases that caused global warming: Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gas. By addressing the effect of climate change it will help preserve the health of the planet and ensure sustainable future for all. 

The guest speaker to discuss last was Mr. Dag Hyalmar Navarette, he talked about first aid common emergencies like burn, wounds, fracture, and bites and stings. He added what type of aid and proper treatment to administer to the patient. After the discussion, he demonstrated how to properly treat those kinds of emergencies using a triangular bandage. He explained what the parts of the triangular bandage are and after that he proceeded to teach the on-the-job training students on bandaging. He was assisted by another resource speaker Mr. Rolito J. Royeras Jr., both of them demonstrated how to do bandaging on open phase: Head topside, chest/back of the chest, hand and foot burned. 

The first day of the seminar and the topic that were discussed were informative and it highlighted the interconnectedness of disaster preparedness, climate change awareness, and first aid knowledge.  Understanding basic disaster concepts, climate change impacts, and first aid techniques encourages individuals and communities to mitigate risks, respond effectively to emergencies, and build a more resilient future.  The practical demonstration of first aid training provides valuable hands-on experience to the students that can be applied in real-world situations.

The discussion was interesting and highly informative, prompting several students to ask questions afterward. The resource speakers, possessing extensive knowledge, expertly answered their inquiries, highlighting the topic's importance and relevance.

When no more questions were asked. The first day of seminar was concluded.

On the second day, it focuses on the practical demonstration of first aid like bandaging, how to do CPR, and how to approach a patient. The seminar started with a prayer and after that, Mr. Navarette asked the students what they learned from the first day of the first aid training seminar and asked a few students to demonstrate a type of bandaging. After that, he discussed another type of bandaging the cravat phase and asked one volunteer from the students to be a patient, which is Argie C. Bactul, he demonstrated how to properly bandage the body parts that were injured, fractured, or wounded. He was assisted by another guest speaker, Mr. Jarred Paloma. After the demonstration, they asked the students to demonstrate it with their partner. 

After the bandaging phase, Mr. Paloma discussed and explained what CPR is, when to do a CPR and when to stop, and how to properly approach a patient. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It's a life-saving technique used when someone's heart has stopped beating, meaning they're not breathing and are unresponsive. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, aiming to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until emergency medical help arrives. After discussing, he demonstrated how to do a proper CPR, and asked five students to do a practical demonstration. Those students were Michael Jan Isma, Monette Austria, Junesa Ida Solar, Maria Ina Siega, and Ronalyn Dolera. After that, the resource speakers asked the students to get a pair and perform or demonstrate the CPR. 

Understanding the importance of workplace first aid and its role in disaster preparedness equips students with valuable knowledge applicable to various professional settings.  This knowledge enhances their ability to contribute to a safer work environment, potentially saving lives and minimizing injuries in emergencies.  Furthermore, it fosters a sense of responsibility and preparedness, making them valuable assets in any workplace.

 The seminar was a crucial step in preparing the students for their future careers, equipping them with knowledge of basic first aid and risk reduction management.  Certificates were then distributed with the presence of OJT Coordinator, Ms. Salvacion Teng, and OJT Advisor, Ms. Norbella Roxas.  The event concluded with a photo opportunity with the resource speakers together with the students from each section.