Singapore, 10 March 2018 - As part of its ongoing efforts to demonstrate the importance of first aid in building community resilience, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) today debuted its First Aid Fiesta, at the Ang Mo Kio Central Stage. Graced by Mr Amrin Amin, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs & Health, this opening event in the central district is the first in a series of such outreach Fiestas slated to take place across the five community development council (CDC) districts throughout the year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Amrin Amin said, “In an emergency, every second counts. We know that the chances of survival for a person suffering from cardiac attack decreases by up to 10% for every minute that passes by without receiving CPR. If our community is trained in such skills, we can make a difference and save lives.”

Spearheaded by members of Red Cross Youth (RCY), the Fiesta aimed to engage secondary schools students and residents of central CDC on the importance of first aid skills, and urge them to be better equipped and prepared for emergencies, at home, in schools or within the community. This was done through fun and engaging first aid-centric activities, including a telematch which saw students going through a series of game stations that tested their knowledge and application ability in areas, such as first aid theory, bandaging skills, first aid kit assembly, and case study assessments, etc. The students and residents were also treated to an array of interactive game booths, stage quizzes, as well a First Aid showcase by Red Cross Youth volunteers.

Mr Sahari Ani, Director of Red Cross Youth Singapore, commented, “To be prepared, one needs to be equipped with the right tools, coupled with knowledge and proper techniques. Through the First Aid Fiesta, we endeavour to provide youth with a conducive platform not only to build up on their first aid skills and knowledge, but also to interact and share their experiences with one another.”

Launch of GO Bags

At the event, Mr Amrin Amin also unveiled the GO Bag, a specially-curated emergency preparedness kit launched by Red Cross Youth. Also known as grab bag or ready bag, these portable kits are meant to help families to be better prepared during emergencies, such as house fire and blackouts. It will help families to react quickly to any unforeseen emergencies and even enable them to evacuate quickly. At the same time the bag contains some essential supplies needed before help arrives.

“The threat of terrorism is real,” added Mr Amrin Amin in his speech. “In fact, we [Singapore] are facing the highest terror threat level in recent years. It is therefore important that Singaporeans pick up emergency preparedness skills, so we can keep ourselves and those around us safe, and are able to render help to others.”

Designed to be fully-customisable based on the situation and individual family’s needs, the GO Bag includes basic essential survival equipment, such as torchlight, whistle, notebook, multipurpose tool, water bottle, batteries, a first aid kit, personal and hygiene items. Each kit will be accompanied by a GO Bag Preparation Guide, developed entirely by Red Cross Youth leaders. It consists of a comprehensive checklist of essential items to pack and their quantities, as well as recommendations on additional items that one may include to build a complete GO Bag that is tailored specifically to the family’s requirements.

As part of the initiative, a set of GO Bag and guide will be distributed to all schools with RCY units across Singapore. The Youth cadets will also lead emergency preparedness efforts in their respective schools by developing their own Go Bags as a sample and conducting advocacy activities amongst their peers. Through this initiative, Red Cross Youth leaders aim to empower the younger cadets and their peers, and enable them to help their families and communities to be more well-prepared for emergencies.

Added Mr Sahari Ani, “The GO Bag project was conceptualised and initiated entirely by our youth leaders and we are very heartened by their efforts and dedication. Through the Red Cross Youth network, we hope our members will continue to lead by example and continue supporting one another in our pursuit of being a more prepared Nation.”

To read more about our very first First Aid Fiesta, please click here