Phuket students learn to save lives

PHUKET: Several emergency-response experts were called in to train about 100 students in essential life-saving skills at a special training event this week.

The emergency-response event was held at the Phuket ICT Skill Development and Learning Center in Saphan Hin on Wednesday, with the aim of instructing students on how to respond to different emergency scenarios.

“As part of our drive to become Phuket’s leading learning center, we plan to provide courses [to students and adults] on a different topic every month,” said Dr Jirawat Taengthong, the center’s director.

“We encourage teachers, parents and students to visit the center, so that they can see first-hand exactly what we do.”

As part of the rescue training for children, Passakorn Sirichuchote, head of the rescue workers’ division at the well-known Kusoldharm Foundation, was invited to instruct children on how to administer first aid, using any useful item at hand.

“When administering first aid, it’s important to keep calm, so that you can assess the situation and put to use anything nearby that might assist you in your job,” Mr Passakorn advised.

Pairach Jiwliw of the Phuket City Fire Department agreed, stressing the need to keep calm and focused when responding to a fire.

“The most important thing in this kind of emergency is not to panic. This is the first step before helping yourself and others,” he said.

Paitoon Silapawisut, from the Phuket office of the state-based Road Accident Victims Protection unit (click here), pointed out the importance of wearing helmets when riding a motorbike.

“Wearing a helmet is crucial for you own safety no matter where you are going, or how short your journey is,” he said.

“If your parents don’t provide you with one, please tell them that it could save your life.”

Dr Jirawat explained to the students that emergencies could strike anywhere, anytime.

“Being well prepared for any emergency is important. One day you might save someone’s life with the skills you have learned,” he explained to students.

The learning theme at the ICT Center next month is “Love to Read”.

“Several writers will join us next month for some reading fun, and to instill in students the importance of reading,” said Chairat Srilawan, the center’s manager.

“We would also like to invite parents and the children to join us for Children’s Day on Saturday, January 10, at Saphan Hin. Food and drinks will be provided for everyone who takes part.”

The ICT center is located on Phuket Road, at Saphan Hin. For details, call 076-379012 or 086-4753700, email info@phuketict.org or visit PhuketICT.org.

— Chutharat Plerin