Ostend's resuscitation manikins received a much-needed upgrade
"The donors of the Local Support Action are really helping us move forward. And I want to thank them personally!" Speaking is Jurgen Dobbels, Auxiliary Service Manager of Red Cross Ostend. "Good material is indispensable for the professional assistance provided by our volunteers. With it, they also radiate their expertise and that gives people a peace of mind."
Among other things, the department purchased medical equipment and replaced broken radio sets and worn-out intervention bags. It also resuscitated the CPR manikins used in first aid courses, so to speak, themselves. "The manikins have been upgraded and are now equipped with QCPR, a device with a sensor. From that we can read whether the chest compression is deep enough, whether the chest comes back up enough and whether the frequency is between 100 and 120. These are all aspects of CPR. The more correctly performed, the better the score. This allows us to train the trainees well and a healthy competition develops: who does the best CPR?"
Vibrant city, already 84 preventive aid operations
"Our most recent purchase is a minibus. It is used by the whole department: relief service, youth work and social services. It was also used by our volunteers during the Paulus Festival. This big festival lasts seven days and we are well known there with an extensive aid station."
"Ostend is a very lively city. In the first half of this year we have already foreseen 84 preventive actions, most at sporting events. There are the cycling races, the UCI Paracycling for people with disabilities and the international soccer competition for youth in the Schorrepark. That's where we all stand. People who have been helped are grateful. There was a young lady the other day who said "You saved my life last week. Appreciation is gratifying, knowing you are helping someone. And the donors help us help them."
Appreciation is gratifying, knowing you are helping someone. The donors are helping us. And for that I want to thank them personally!
Jurgen
Responsible relief service, Red Cross-Ostend
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Read more stories here of what local chapters were able to accomplish thanks to financial support from their residents.
