15/09/2025
Resilience in Action: When Training Meets Emergency
When an emergency strikes, every moment is crucial. The ability to respond successfully can save multiple lives and possibly prevent further harm. With this in concern, the Emergency Response Training assembled by the Department of Education, in association with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), was conducted to provide knowledge in preparedness for students, teachers, and school personnel during emergencies. The activity focuses on the importance of safety, first aid kit knowledge, and disaster resilience within the school. The assembly aimed to teach and nurture teamwork and collaboration among youth leaders, teachers, and personnel. This initiative highlights the liability of schools where everyone is capable of handling unexpected situations and ensuring a safer environment within the school perimeters.
The opening program was led by school officials headed by Principal Cristeta S. Uy together with the facilitators of the activity. The event began with a visual prayer followed by the singing of "Tagumpay Nating Lahi," which inspired the participants with unity and enthusiasm. Then the Head Teacher of ESP, Nieva Liwayway, delivered the welcome remarks, making a positive atmosphere for the upcoming training. Inspirational messages were given by Analyn P. Dadivas, the Head Teacher of Mathematics, and Rowell P. Corcega, Assistant School Head; both emphasized the importance of preparedness and active participation in the activity. Finally, to conclude the opening, representatives from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) were then introduced to officially begin the training sessions.
The session started with first aid training, which focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during emergencies. First aid was defined as the immediate care given to an injured person to prevent further harm and promote recovery. The importance of first aid was highlighted, showing how it can save lives, control conditions from worsening, and aid faster healing. The guiding principles were then introduced to participants, which include prioritizing safety, precisely and carefully assessing the situation, and providing appropriate care. Practical topics such as treating fractures, sprains, burns, poisoning, and allergic reactions were also discussed, along with methods for checking responsiveness, breathing, and bleeding of an injured person. Through this session, participants gained a deeper knowledge of how proper first aid can make a difference in critical situations.
The practical applications of the training gave participants first-hand experience with the demonstration of essential first aid procedures. They were taught how to control different types of bleeding, which are arterial, venous, and capillary, by cleaning wounds, applying pressure, and dressing them properly. Different techniques of bandaging were also demonstrated, which include the use of triangular bandages for head injuries, arm support, and chest injuries. The training session then focuses on the importance of a fully stocked first aid kit containing alcohol, betadine, gauze pads, sterile water, face masks, and gloves, together with the need for proper and quick accessibility of the kit. What's more, the participants learned basic life support skills such as responding to choking incidents and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children, and infants. The session underlines that it is crucial to call for help and clearly delegate responsibilities to ensure a quick and properly organized response.
Overall, the emergency response training achieved its goal by preparing students, teachers, and staff to act confidently in times of crisis. It not only increased their knowledge about first aid but also nurtured teamwork and leadership within the school community. The partnership with the CDRRMO proved a valuable lesson in providing practical and relevant guidance for preparedness. More importantly, the training fostered a culture of safety and resilience that can be carried and influenced beyond the school perimeter. As a call to action, all participants are encouraged to continually practice the skills they have learned, teach and share their knowledge with peers, and remain attentive in promoting safety and preparedness both in school and in their communities.
Written by: Charles Kyle B. Mendoza
photos by: Frances Claire G. Cataring
