CPR & First Aid

Wow, I cannot believe it is already Thursday morning… these days have just flown by! As you have heard, Monday and Tuesday were the days of the First Aid/CPR class. In total there were 85 students, I was so glad to have Vickie there to assist.

I was so amazed at how quickly we were able to cover all the information coupled with many hands-on practices. Students always had questions and scenarios to share – all which helped to solidify understanding and application!

We rented two manikins from the Red Cross office in Eldoret (a fun experience for me to visit). The clinic had the baby dolls to practice with and even a choking simulation vest – too fun!


We also discussed topics like Malaria and TB, the importance of immunizations and even emergency childbirth! Students practiced controlling bleeding and various splinting techniques…they were really creative!


In Kenya there really is no 9-1-1 ambulance services. And especially in the rural villages, like here in Kipkarren, transportation to even a clinic is a challenge. We spent a good portion of the class talking about how to move and transport patients, even those with suspected head, neck or back injuries. We also constructed stretchers from bamboo, sticks, clothing and bark (strips like rope).


Our certificate ceremony was Wednesday morning. One of the students began with sharing a story and a passage from Hosea 4:6. They say that they have only lacked knowledge and that now they have the ideas of how to help someone who is injured or found unconscious. The students are continuing to express gratitude for the skills they have gained from this course. I have had several conversations with students who are very excited to take this information back to their home communities to share with their families, neighbors and friends. I am so humbled and blessed to know that the gifts God has given me are reaching all across the nation of Kenya (Stay tuned for a very special story!).


My prayer is that when presented with an opportunity to apply these skills, and maybe save a life, that they will testify that the reason they could help was because God gave them the opportunity to learn and the compassion to respond, and that by sharing this that many will come to know the Lord!


Mungu ni Mwema (God is Good),

Jenn McCormick