Morupule Hosts Internal First Aid Competitions

Bonte Seepi | Monday June 20, 2016 15:16

Seven teams from MCM and BPC participated in the competitions at the Sahara Hotel in Palapye, showcasing their First Aid skills.

The winning team, Maphosa from MCM scored 788 points, the highest against the top three finalists.  In second place were team Isang with 772 points and team Bailey landed on position three with 754 points.

Other teams that participated in the competition included team Mongale, Kudu, Elser and Moncho.  The winners were awarded a floating shield, P1,500 prize money to each of the team members and an MCM branded bag.

Team Isang members got themselves P850 prize money each whilst team Bailey participants walked away with P600 each.

Officiating at the competitions, Palapye Primary Hospital acting chief medical officer, Kipanzula Monga emphasised the importance of first aid in the mining areas and applauded MCM for hosting such important competitions.

Monga said the competitions were necessary for MCM saying such test their first aid skills.  He said the importance of first aid cannot be over emphasised at both mines and at home as accidents happen when least expected. 

He added that it is reassuring to have people who are skilled in First Aid as accidents are unpredictable.

“First aid is very critical as it can save lives and even minimise harm and loss of life.  First aid entails a speedy self-help medical assistance if it is not available or delayed and that helps those at the scene determine the sequence and the priority of First Aid treatment in an emergency situation,” said Monga.

Monga further explained that the mines were a platform for carrying out various activities for the accomplishment of their organisations.

Therefore he said it would be deceitful of the organisations to deny the fact that accidents do happen in the workplace; as such organisations are therefore duty-bound to equip their workforce with the necessary and appropriate skills to attend emergencies.

He said what MCM teams displayed during the competition were a clear indication that this year they will do well in the Inter-Mines Competitions.  He urged the winners of the competitions to begin their preparations for the Inter-Mines competition early.

 Meanwhile, chief judge of the day, Pilot Khohliwe from Botswana Red Cross Society, urged competitors to work as teams, abide by time and ensure safety at all times when competing. 

He said he observed that when mobilising the fractures, teams forgot about neatness and that when loading the patients others did it from the opposite end, which is wrong.  He further urged them to always prioritise with the injuries.