The key to staying safe is to become aware of potential hazards in the environment. It doesn’t mean that one can’t take risks or shouldn’t be able to go anywhere. It is about being able to judge the level of risk, take steps to minimize the risk, and therefore prevent injury.
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. That’s why being prepared is so important. First Aid is at the very core of the Order’s international mission, and each Order establishment supports the provision and training of first aid in a wide variety of cultures and contexts, from Sri Lanka to Canada, from Jamaica to New Zealand or from Malawi to Singapore.
The way the Order delivers First Aid is rooted in local volunteerism, which means building skills and abilities within local communities, not serving them from outside. It is essential to build First Aid skills everywhere, so that no matter where you are, help can be found in your local environment.
That is why the U.S. Priory is proud of its new “First Aid in Schools” initiative which recently launched in New York City and will provide students in grades K-7 an understanding of emergencies. The goal of the program is for students to realize that most injuries are preventable, and to identify ways to assess and manage risks. From learning to dial 9-1-1 in grades K-1, to practicing CPR using lifelike mannequins in grades 6-7, building students’ confidence when responding to an emergency lowers the risks involved. Teaching emergency responses to students at a young age also enables them to share what they have learned with their family.
This exciting new initiative models the very successful program created by our colleagues in Hato Hone St John New Zealand, who have provided their experiences and expertise they have gained in training over 1.2 million students in New Zealand since 2015!
Next steps include expansion to other locations, including partnership with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and local diocesan schools. Meanwhile, the U.S. Priory is expanding our outreach and taking the Order’s motto, Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum into the community, along with our existing service programs across the country.
