So anyway, Monday came and I was on my way to Red Cross for the training. The day actually started out really bad. I went to the Port Area branch, their main branch, because when I inquired via phone, they told me to go to that branch. To my dismay, they don't hold training seminars at their HQ, hence, I had to go to Intramuros, the Manila Chapter office. It was a good thing that I was going to train with Mara. It would've been so hard without her because there were a couple of people from FEU who knew each other. We also bumped into Chiqui and Charice. It was really comforting to see some familiar faces again, especially because of the tension of the results (which are due next week!) Monday was all about Basic Life Support and since it's the first day, it was just lecture. Of course, the Red Cross Training Program was made in a way that it's understandable for lay people. We even had three classmates who weren't in the health care area. So everything was easy to follow and comprehend.
Tuesday, it was still about BLS but it was exam day. The exam was pretty hard. Mara and I were not confident in any of our answers in the multiple choice part and the enumeration part was a killer. Haha. But it went well. Our names even got called for having good grades. :) But the practical test was just nerve-wracking! (is that the right term?) We had to do CPR for an adult, a child and an infant! The child and the adult were similar but the infant was a bit hard! Everything had a reason and you had to give the rationale all the time! But the baby dolls were so cute because the chest really rises every time you give a rescue breath. In fact, they check if you really are able to make the chest rise. Haha. So anyway, I was able to finish early because I was one of the few who were called first. Mara had a different situation, though. She was one of the last two to take the practical exam. Hehe.
Wednesday was all about First Aid. Again, the discussion was easy to follow. They would even give mnemonics for all the management for every condition. The problem was that, since there were so many conditions, it was hard to memorize all of the mnemonics because they'd get jumbled up in your head. Haha. But it was fun. :) I mean, it's really close to what they teach us in school. But it's nice to study the first aid treatments and not just the medications for the conditions. So it really felt something like a nursing action because the doctor was only there for referral after you do all your first aid treatments.
Thursday was really fun. We discussed about bandaging and rescue & transfer! It was hard but it was really cool and fun! Haha. Especially in the rescue and transfer part because Sir Fritz really demonstrated each of the techniques. And it was really funny. Add to that, the victim always comes from us. Hahaha. :p We all had a good laugh because of it. My favorite demonstration would have to be the FIREMAN'S DRAG. :p Hahaha. I'm afraid only my classmates would understant why. Hehehe. :p
Friday was the exam for bandaging and rescue & transfer. Bandaging was hard! We had to move really fast! In 30ecs, you must read the situation, analyze your victim's injuries, fold your bandage properly and apply the bandage correctly. But they were, of course, very considerate since we weren't that used to all of it just yet. In the exam for rescue and transfer, we were supposed to rescue and transfer the victim according to the method that the instructor would say, taking into consideration the wounds and injuries that the victim has. They were EXTRA considerate in this part, especially in my case because of my back problem. Haha. I'm really thankful for that. :) For the final event, it was intense! Wild! But fun! Even though there was "blood" splattering everywhere! Hehe. :p
Aw, I miss them all already. :( Ma'am Jaime said that our class was really bonded, despite the size. We were quite a big group and yet we still managed to bond as a class. We were all happy to hear that. :)
I also miss the small canteen where Mara and I would eat for lunch. It was really cheap there and the food was okay. The owner is so hospitable that when he said last Friday, "balik ulit kayo ah?" Mara and I looked at each other and just smiled. We felt bad because it was our last day and it was unlikely that we'd ever have to eat there again.
I also miss the instructors! They were really great. Especially Sir Fritz! When I become an instructor someday, I wanna be just like him! haha. I'm actually thinking if I want to be a volunteer there. :)
I hope that when I get my certificate two weeks from now, I'd see the proof that I passed the training. It would be nice to say "I'm a TRAINED first aid provider, can I help?" :)
Later days,
~coffeeandmusiclover~
