FirstAid a requirement

I had to take my child for a GP review last Thursday at the local clinic. I couldn't escape from work until half three. I reached the clinic just before 4pm. To my surprise there were still quite a number of people waiting. The many people waiting was an unusual case. At that late time.

No one was attending the reception. A notice said they were closed. "Great", I thought. But a staff saw me and after explaining to her why I was late, she gave in out of sympathy. Bless her.

Lucky for me, dad was waiting to see his doctor too. It was him who mentioned that there was an emergency in one of the treatment rooms, and all doctors were attending to it. His appointment had to be abruptly stopped temporary for his doctor to take the emergency call. So, the waiting didn't bother me.

Dad got called back in, and cheeky of him, took my daughter along to get reviewed. I must admit I felt guilty, but it saved my time; I let him be. I am only human.

While waiting for my driver to pick us up (I was unwell and safety comes first - I had to be driven), I had the chance to talk to the clerks and nurses. They told me of the emergency. Sadly, despite everyone's efforts, a young child lost his life after choking on rambutan.

My condolence goes to the family. I'm writing here NOT to add salt to their wound, but as a parent myself I feel for them. I don't know where it went wrong, but the child was alone with their domestic helper. Parents were working.

This could happen to any of us. Most of us are working parents and having to leave our child in the hands of our helpers at home. Forget our helpers, even many of us parents do not know how to handle emergency situations.

Just earlier this year, I was requesting a colleague to put me on the list if they were to hold a workshop on FirstAid. I've not been called yet. I've also had at the back of my mind to send my home helpers for First Aid courses, if they were available. This recent incident call for urgent attention.

I'm blogging to request the Ministry of Health to establish First Aid trainings for the public, and for domestic helpers and drivers. They could charge us a fee. The employers will pay for their employees.

Perhaps also, the Labour Department could impose some kind of policy to ensuring domestic helpers have the most basic training of first aid, and Health and Safety (including handling fire, exiting premises, etc). The latter should be done in coroperation with the Fire Brigade.

If these are established, please make sure that registration are easily accessible (possibly on-line) and the public are aware of the trainings.