Review by Dilith Halahakoon (Scout Troop)
The 17th Trinity College Senior Scout Troop worked with the Kandy Red Cross Society to train 42 Trinity Scouts in First Aid on 18 November at the Junior School Main Hall. First Aid plays an important role in promoting safety and well-being within any community.
The aim of the First Aid Camp was to give the scouts clear and practical training in handling emergencies. The programme also supported the Troop’s badge work progression towards key proficiency badges required for the President’s Scout Award. Through a mix of lessons, demonstrations, and simple scenario-based activities, the camp strengthened the scouts’ ability to assess situations, manage injuries, and provide immediate care. It also helped them build important Scouting values such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, and responsibility.
With the guidance of the Red Cross Society, the scouts learnt the basic steps to take before a casualty is taken to hospital, and how to organise their actions in an emergency. Training covered procedures for heart attacks, fainting, shock, difficulty breathing, burns, fractures, headaches, and other common situations. The Red Cross team taught these skills through practical activities that helped the scouts understand each step clearly. They learnt how to give CPR, place a casualty in the recovery position, and offer temporary relief for cuts, bruises, burns, and broken or dislocated bones. The camp also introduced them to poisonous animals and plants and the immediate First Aid required for such cases. The training improved the scouts’ confidence and practical life skills.
Each participant received an internationally recognised certificate issued by the World Red Cross Society. It remains valid for one year and confirms their knowledge of basic First Aid.
The session ended with valuable learning experiences for all scouts. The Senior Scout Troop extends its gratitude to the members of the Kandy Red Cross Society, Mr Malitha Dissanayake, Mr Eranga Weerasekara, Ms Hiruni Kumarasinghe, and Ms Anjalika Nipuni, for sharing their expertise. The Troop also thanks the Head of TCCEI, Mr Wasana Dissanayake, for his support, as well as Mr Prabath Gunarathna (MIC), Master Abdurrahman Roshan (Troop Leader), Master Heraan Logeshwaran (Assistant Troop Leader), Master Ovin Weerasinghe (Quarter Master), and Mr Navinda Abeygunawardhana (Scout Master) for organising the event.
