Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
WITH road traffic accidents, medical emergencies and other incidents continuing to claim lives across Zimbabwe, the Convergence Community Emergency Response Team (ConCERT) has intensified efforts to equip ordinary citizens with life-saving first aid skills through a practical community training programme scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at Wingate Golf Club in Harare.
The one-day Basic First Aid Training, which runs from 8:30am to 1:30pm, will be conducted in local languages and participants will receive National Social Security Authority (NSSA)-accredited certificates upon completion.
The initiative is expected to attract drivers, office workers, security personnel, restaurant employees, team leaders, bikers, gardeners, domestic workers and members of the public keen to acquire emergency response skills before professional medical teams arrive at an incident.
The programme forms part of ConCERT’s wider campaign to strengthen community resilience by training volunteer first responders capable of providing immediate assistance during emergencies while ambulances are en route.
ConCERT founder Mr Webster Jaricha said empowering communities with basic first aid knowledge could significantly reduce preventable deaths.
“In an emergency, the first few minutes often determine whether someone lives or dies. Our mission is to ensure that ordinary Zimbabweans are equipped with practical skills that enable them to preserve life safely while professional emergency services are on their way,” said Mr Jaricha.
He said ConCERT complements existing emergency services by providing pre-ambulance care through trained volunteer responders strategically located in communities.
“We are not replacing ambulances or hospitals. We are bridging the critical gap between the occurrence of an emergency and the arrival of professional medical personnel. Every trained citizen becomes another potential lifesaver within their own community,” he said.
Mr Jaricha urged members of the public to avoid undertaking medical procedures beyond their level of training.
“People should first ensure the scene is safe, alert the relevant emergency services, reassure casualties and only perform procedures they have been properly trained to carry out. Simple actions done correctly can save lives, while incorrect interventions may worsen injuries,” he said.
ConCERT administrator Mrs Patricia Townsend said the organisation was committed to making first aid training affordable and accessible to every community.
“Prepared communities are safer communities. Our training is designed to give participants practical confidence, not just theoretical knowledge. We want people to leave knowing exactly how to respond calmly and effectively when faced with an emergency,” she said.
She said the organisation had deliberately priced the training at US$20 to encourage wider participation.
“Every family should have at least one person trained in first aid. Whether at home, at work or on the road, emergencies happen without warning. Being prepared can make all the difference,” said Mrs Townsend.
She added that ConCERT also supplies affordable first aid kits, encouraging every household, workplace and motorist to keep one readily available as an essential component of emergency preparedness.
One of ConCERT’s senior volunteer first responders, Pastor Simba Bupiro, said community-based emergency response had become increasingly important as accidents and medical emergencies occur daily.
“Our volunteers come from different professions but share one purpose, saving lives. We respond because every life matters. Through this training we hope to inspire more Zimbabweans to become confident first responders within their own neighbourhoods,” he said.
He encouraged participants to practise the skills learned during training and to remain calm during emergencies.
“Effective emergency response begins with remaining composed, protecting yourself and providing appropriate assistance until specialist responders arrive,” he said.
Apart from first aid training, ConCERT has also introduced a Panic Button emergency alert system, developed in partnership with C.I.A., designed to speed up emergency response.
The device enables users to instantly alert the control room, automatically transmitting their location and facilitating rapid coordination with emergency services including the police, ambulance providers and the Fire Brigade. The system also features fall detection for elderly users and operates independently of smartphones using cellular network positioning technology.
ConCERT has gained increasing recognition for supporting emergency operations across the country, including coordinating volunteer response efforts during the Budiriro sewer rescue operation, where the organisation worked alongside specialist rescuers and statutory emergency services.
Bookings for the July 25 training are compulsory and can be made via ConCERT’s WhatsApp booking line. Participants are required to pay upon booking to confirm their place.
