Red Cross Gives Kiss of Life

Ken Health Care has recently become the proud recipient of accreditation in First Aid by the Jamaica Red Cross with every single KHC staff member now fully certified to give first aid.

Staff at every level have completed 14 hours of intensive basic training spread across several modules with practical exercises on recognising and responding to emergency situations and determining safe response.

Lyn Kennedy-McKenzie said: “Although it’s not mandatory for care homes in Jamaica to have first aid trained staff our senior staff members were already trained. However, making sure that all the staff are certified First Aiders was important as it’s a tremendously valuable skill.  It means that in an emergency situation, any of our staff members – even support staff – can appropriately and confidently respond until the paramedics arrive.”

The training itself was challenging but the staff have received maximum benefit and enjoyment from doing it. The Jamaica Red Cross is one of the leading organizations for disaster response in Jamaica. First aid and CPR training, relief services and distribution, disaster management, water safety training and community based disaster preparedness are just some of the services offered by the Red Cross. Mrs Kennedy-McKenzie continued: “We’re unusual in the care home sector as most homes do not have first aiders let alone an entire staff team who can administer first aid.  But if it saves a life, it’s well worth it and we will continue to invest in this type of training for our staff.”