Painting the Picture
Delays in receiving proper care due to a lack of first-aid knowledge can exacerbate these situations. In rural Kenya, seeking emergency treatment can be challenging due to various barriers including long distances to hospitals, limited ambulances, and tragically, a lack of knowledge on how to respond to emergencies. This, coupled with the staggering doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:17,000, means even minor emergencies can become fatal.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, our focus is on empowering the crucial first line of defense: the community itself. Through First Aid and Health education, we can potentially reduce the number of preventable deaths by empowering more Kenyans with knowledge and skills on what to do in a medical or injury emergency. Imagine a community where ordinary people become heroes during emergencies by acting quickly before medical help is available. By empowering Kenyans with the ability to quickly respond to medical and injury emergencies, we contribute to a healthier future and progress towards Universal Health Coverage. This also aligns with the World Health Organization's recommendations for addressing emergency medical needs in resource-limited settings.
The Problem
While numerous first-aid training programs exist in Kenya, two major roadblocks hinder widespread participation: cost and curriculum relevance.
Cost Barrier: Most training is delivered commercially, with Basic First Aid courses ranging from Ksh. 3,000 to Ksh. 8,000. This price point often positions the training as a prerequisite for jobs or travel, rather than a valuable skill for the general public. Sadly, this high cost excludes curious individuals who lack the financial means to participate, locking out a potentially life saving resource.
Curriculum Inapplicability: Existing first-aid programs in Kenya run on borrowed curriculums designed in and for countries like the US and Europe. The significant differences in resources and environments between these regions render some aspects of the training impractical in Kenyan contexts. This lack of local adaptation reduces the program's effectiveness and discourages potential participants.
Target Group
Working with local authorities, we identify 30 motivated community members with leadership qualities and a strong commitment to improving community health. These individuals will ideally have regular interactions within the community, including:
Community leaders
Teachers
Security officers
Childcare providers
School transport drivers
Public service vehicle (PSV) drivers
Sports coaches
Motorcycle taxi (boda boda) riders
SALT© CURRICULUM
The course focuses on addressing causes of preventable deaths including sudden cardiac arrest, uncontrollable bleeding, heart attack, Stroke, choking, and drowning in infants and children.
Lesson 1 Course Overview
Lesson 1.1 Introduction to First Aid
Lesson 1.2 Levels of care
Lesson 1.3 Calling for Emergency Help
Lesson 1.4 How to safely manage an incident
Lesson 2 Approaching the unconscious victim
Lesson 2.1 What to do if someone is unconscious but still breathing
Lesson 2.2 What to do if someone is not breathing
Lesson 2.3 Important tips on CPR
Lesson 3 Breathing Emergencies
Lesson 3.1 What to do in case of Choking
Lesson 3.2 If someone is having an Asthmatic Attack
Lesson 4 Medical Emergencies
Lesson 4.1 If someone is having a Seizure
Lesson 4.2 What to do if someone Faints
Lesson 4.3 What to do if you suspect a Stroke
Lesson 4.4 What to do in case of a Diabetic emergency
Lesson 4.5 If someone is experiencing severe Chest discomfort
Lesson 5 Injury Emergencies
Lesson 5.1 If someone is bleeding
Lesson 5.2 In case you suspect a broken or displaced bone
Lesson 5.3 How to assist someone who has suffered a burn
Lesson 6 Environmental Emergencies
Lesson 6.1 If someone is bitten by a snake
Teaching aids; Printed posters and pocket guide books to enhance learning and retention.
How YOU can Get Involved
We are actively seeking support and collaboration from relevant stakeholders, particularly those who share our vision of a healthier Kenya. Your financial contributions will enable us to train more individuals, volunteer expertise can strengthen our course curriculum, and community outreach support will help us connect with participants in rural areas.
With your help, we can establish a sustainable model of first-aid training that can be scaled across the country, saving lives and empowering communities.
Learn More
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We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions!
Pilot Phase
Narok County, has the second-highest mortality rate in Kenya (according to the National Bureau of Statistics 2019 Census Report).
This pilot project will target six sub-counties within Narok:
Narok North Constituency
Narok South Constituency
Narok East Constituency
Narok West Constituency
Emurua Dikirr Constituency
Kilgoris Constituency
By training 30 participants per sub-county, we intend to directly reach a total population of 180 community members across rural Narok.