In a significant effort to promote community safety and emergency preparedness, the Association of Respiratory Therapy Students of Pines City Colleges, led by Ms. Rinaliza Bogsulen, in partnership with the Community Engagement Services headed by Ms. Rowena T. Acacio, conducted Basic Life Support (BLS) training for the officials of Barangay Magsaysay Private Road on November 28, 2024. The event, held at ESBC 408, was part of a two-day seminar series entitled Breath of Life: First Aid, Basic Life Support, & Fire Safety Training.
The training, which ran from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, aimed to equip community leaders with essential life-saving skills critical in emergency situations. This hands-on seminar brought together barangay officials, who are often the first responders during accidents or medical emergencies within their communities. The training covered a wide range of topics, including basic first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and bandaging techniques—all of which are crucial for timely and effective emergency response.
The 4th-year interns from the College of Respiratory Therapy led participants through hands-on demonstrations. These included the proper administration of CPR, managing bleeding or choking incidents, handling fractures, and performing life-saving interventions in various emergency scenarios, ensuring that barangay officials were equipped with a holistic approach to emergency situations. The Breath of Life seminar is part of an ongoing effort by the college to foster a sense of responsibility and preparedness in local communities. By empowering barangay officials with critical health and safety skills, the college is helping to create a more resilient and safer environment for everyone in the area. The training also underscores the important role that community leaders play in promoting public health and safety.
For many participants, the event was an eye-opening experience. They expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn and enhance their ability to handle emergency situations with confidence. Several officials noted that having the ability to perform CPR or administer first aid could mean the difference between life and death during critical moments. Furthermore, the final segment of the seminar, held as part of November’s COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Awareness campaign, focused on the dangers of smoking and its link to respiratory illnesses. This session provided valuable information about COPD, a serious lung disease often associated with smoking and offered practical advice on smoking cessation.
By focusing on first aid, life support, fire safety, and COPD awareness, the event provided barangay officials with the tools needed to respond to both medical and disaster-related emergencies. Through such initiatives, the PCC College of Respiratory Therapy continues to reinforce its commitment to community engagement and the well-being of the local population. With the ongoing support of the Community Engagement Services and the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and students, the Breath of Life program is expected to have a lasting impact, fostering a well-prepared and proactive community ready to face challenges head-on. #Maybel Tiwang, BSRT 4
