The Red Cross associations of both Beijing and Hong Kong jointly
launched special classes in first aid professional training for the
2008 Olympics on Monday.
Professionals from the Hong Kong
Red Cross coach students for giving treatment in a mock emergency
operation on Monday, December 4, 2006. [Photo:
chinatimes]
The Beijing-based China Times reports drivers, policemen,
park and hotel workers and shop assistants are given priority for
the classes.
The Beijing Red Cross will select 300 freshmen from eight
colleges every year to receive first aid training. Under the plan
every 50 students will have access to one teacher qualified for
providing first aid service in Beijing's elementary and middle
schools.
The training is expected to cover 1.5 percent of the permanent
population in Beijing by the end of this year. One in every 100
will possess a first aid certificate.
By 2008 two percent of the permanent population in Beijing is
scheduled to receive first aid training with one in 80 holding a
certificate.
A total of 180,000 people are expected to hold first-aid
certificates before the Olympics. The Beijing Red Cross told the
China Times first-aid certificate holders enjoy a preference
in being recruited as volunteers to serve at the Games.
In addition, the two Red Cross associations are also cooperating
to compile textbooks on emergency and rescue services provided
during the 2008 Olympics.
(CRI December 5, 2006)