Media Alert: City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre Host First Aid Competition

The City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management Centre will be hosting a First Aid Competition for volunteers at its Training Centre in Constantia on Saturday. This group of volunteers is from impoverished communities where there is a high risk of danger.

Disaster management volunteers have been active in the City of Cape Town for many years, and have played an important role in alleviating the effects of many major incidents and disasters. A proud legacy has developed, and many volunteers have been contributing to communities for more than a decade.

Volunteers become involved in a wide range of disaster and emergency related operations on a daily basis in support of professional services.

As part of the City's legislative mandate it must promote the recruitment, training and participation of volunteers in disaster management.

The basic concept of the volunteer programme of the City is that of one of self help and mutual assistance within each community. Volunteers care about their communities and are not paid for the work that they do.

This concept involves the community in all aspects of disaster and emergency activities including prevention, preparation, response and recovery measures that will help protect the community when disaster strikes.

The City's Disaster Risk Management Centre has a responsibility to ensure that adequate and appropriate training is provided to participating volunteers.

Every volunteer receives initial basic training in first aid. The training will enable volunteers, when an emergency situation arises, to:

• perform rescue or similar operations
• perform search operations
• perform other operations to help injured persons
• protect persons or property from danger or potential danger associated with the emergency
• perform other activities to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from an event or a disaster

Media are invited to attend this exciting competition where volunteers will demonstrate their knowledge and skills and assist in spreading the word on the vital role of first aid skills in people's lives.

Date: Saturday 13 November

Time: 08:00 - 13:00

Venue: Disaster Risk Management Training Centre, Alphen Centre, Constantia Main Road, Constantia

Following the competition prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winning team, best team captain and runners up.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town