By Tony Wafula, Bungoma
About 100 boda boda riders have been equipped with first aid skills to help them in saving lives during accidents and emergencies to prevent deaths.
The skills equipping program was organized by the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), the Kenya Red Cross society of Kenya, Hopkins Hospitals, Zion Hospitals and the Kanduyi NG-CDF office.
During the training held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) on Monday the riders were taught critical first aid skills which included; helping people with broken or dislocated limbs, burns, chocking, unconscious, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound dressing, controlling severe breeding, stabilizing fractures and safe moving of victims to prevent deaths before arrival to a healthy facility.
Speaking at the event, Victoria Koyi, Bungoma’s KMTC Principal applauded the partners for coming together with an aim of equipping the riders with skills that would help them save the lives during accidents and emergencies.
“Our main aim today is to have the boda boda people trained in first response, the initiative is called ‘safe a live’, we have them skills to be able to manage themselves and the community whenever they have an emergency before they transport the affected person to the hospital,” the Principal stated.
Koyi notes that most accident victims are affected between the scene of the accident and the hospital, arguing that between these stages the boda boda riders are involved.
“Most of the accident victims die on their way to hospital and that is why we have decided to equip the riders because they are the first to respond during an accident,” she added.
Her sentiments were echoed by area MP John Makali who applauded the boda boda riders for turning up in huge numbers to get first aid skills. The Ford Kenya MP further stated that the sector plays a pivotal role in boosting the Country’s economy.
“Boda boda sector is doing well as it contributes largely to the growth of the economy,” Makali stated, urging them to be united and speak with one voice.
He added, “Let not politicians divide you, always walk together for the prosperity of our economy,”
He affirmed that his NG-CDF is committed to supporting the sector especially in Education matters.
