Chinese Medical Team Trains UNICEF Staff in Emergency First Aid in Freetown
The 26th Batch Chinese Medical Team on Monday concluded a two-day on-site first aid training programme for staff of UNICEF Sierra Leone at the organisation’s head office in Freetown, aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and life-saving response capacity.
The training covered core first aid competencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), trauma management, and basic emergency response techniques. It combined classroom-based theoretical instruction with hands-on practical demonstrations to ensure participants could apply the skills in real-life situations.
Speaking during the programme, Captain Liu Longfei of the Chinese Medical Team said the initiative reflected the team’s commitment to supporting health and safety in Sierra Leone. He noted that equipping UNICEF staff with practical first aid skills would enhance their ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies, both in office settings and during field operations.
Captain Liu added that since 2024, the Chinese Medical Team has partnered with institutions and community groups across multiple sectors, including education, mining, and healthcare, to deliver first aid training, contributing to broader public health and safety efforts in the country.
UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone, Rudolph Schwenk, underscored the importance of staff wellbeing and duty of care within the organisation. He said the training was a strategic investment in safety and emergency readiness, enabling staff to act promptly and appropriately in the event of an incident.
Schwenk encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the sessions and commended the Chinese Medical Team for sharing their expertise. He described the collaboration as a reflection of the strong partnership between the two institutions and their shared commitment to safeguarding lives.
The programme concluded with practical exercises and participant feedback, with attendees expressing increased confidence in handling medical emergencies. Organisers said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen health and safety systems within UNICEF and across other sectors in Sierra Leone, as the country continues to address public health and emergency response challenges.
