Monday, 15th April, 2024
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training was held on Monday, April 15th. Initiated by the Positive Peace Society of Hiroshima University, the event was a collaboration project with the Saijo Resident Self-Government Council and the Higashihiroshima Fire Department. Taking place at the multipurpose room of MIRAI CREA, Higashihiroshima campus, this session was attended by around 50 participants from 26 countries. Most of them were international students. Besides, faculty members and local media representatives also joined the training.
Four fire department officers came to explain what and how to do during an emergency. They made a simulation using fake bodies, where someone is found unconscious and demonstrated step-by-step actions needed to handle the situation. This included verifying that the casualty is unresponsive and needs first aid, asking others to call 119, performing cardiac message, and using the AED device. We are grateful to the dedicated volunteer interpreters who assisted translations from Japanese into English and Indonesian, enabling international participants to better understand the explanations provided.
During the whole session, they were very attentive and asked excellent questions. For example, what should we do if the casualty has a history of back injuries and the massage will worsen the situation, or what if the sufferer is found lying on their stomach and we are not sure whether changing their position could do more harm to them. Responding to these inquiries, the officers said when there are indications that the unconscious person’s breathing is not normal, the most important thing to do is try to make their heart function normally by properly doing first-aid while waiting for the rescue team to come. Once they regain consciousness or show gestures, we may stop giving the treatment.
Participants later proceeded to practice doing the cardiac massage and operating the AED device. They took turns to experience chest compressions with the fake body while the others clapped their hands indicating the pace of massage intervals. After that, they also tried to use the AED device to give electrical shock by following its simple instructions. The training lasted about one hour, and the participants were excited to learn the life-saving skill. They found this event extremely helpful since such opportunities were limited in their home countries and they truly appreciated the initiative. The PPS team is more than glad that we can provide a platform for everyone, especially Hiroshima University students, to build a safer, harmonious, respectful community.
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