SHANGHAI – Personnel and family members of the Philippine country team in Shanghai received instruction on the fundamentals of First Aid from medical practitioners affiliated with Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital-International Medical Center (SRIMC) on 21 July.
The training was organized in pursuit of the Consulate General’s Gender and Development (GAD) and Personnel Wellness objectives. It was also in commemoration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, observed by the Philippines every third week of July, culminating every 23 July – the birthdate of paralytic revolutionary and statesman Apolinario Mabini (1864-1903).
Conducting the training was surgeon and physician Dr. Khelu Shrestha, assisted by nurse Ellen Su Lin and interpreter Hou Shili.
The session covered lectures on the key principles of First Aid and the proper conduct of techniques such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, the Heimlich maneuver and the administration of initial care for fractures, wounds and burns.
These were complementation by demonstrations and simulations that saw the enthusiastic participation of staff.
Within the context of disability prevention, the WHO recognizes First Aid as key to identifying and caring for impairments -- any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function -- that could lead to disability.
Consul General Josel F. Ignacio keynoted the activity, and at its conclusion, presented Certificates of Appreciation to the resource persons. SRIMC, in turn, turned over a donation consisting of a wheelchair and some medical supplies for the Consulate General’s use.
The PCG regularly conducts GAD and wellness trainings and activities for its personnel. In 2021, PCG personnel attended a Lecture-Workshop on Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) for Neck and Low Back Pain to promote occupational wellness. In 2022 and early 2023, introductory Yoga sessions were held in cooperation with certified practitioners.
The Philippine country team in Shanghai consists of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office. END
