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Gaborone – The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) participated at the Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM) Inter Mine First Aid Competition held at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). Slated for 14 September 2024, under the theme “First Aid and Sports” with the slogan “Are you ready for the adventure? Ready, Set, Respond!” The competition will see the creme de la creme of the mining industry battle it out in First Aid Training.

The thrilling decades long competition was designed to instill and elevate safety in mining operations. With a Zero Harm principal, this annual event of over forty years is at the heart of promoting First Aid Training and fostering camaraderie among the mining fraternity. Coincidentally, the competition falls on the same day as the commemoration of World First Aid Day. Furthermore, the competition aims to inspire the community to take up First Aid Training and embed it into their everyday lives. This can be in schools, the workplace, sports events and social gatherings.

“First Aid is of crucial importance in the mining industry. The application of First Aid to an injured person can determine the survival or loss of life. This has become more significant for the industry, as it has adopted a position that stipulates a minimum of 30% of employees to have a valid First Aid certificate. The levels of the certificate will differ starting with elementary up to advanced stage. The application of the acquired First Aid Knowledge will assist the mining industry in preventing loss of life in the unlikely event of an accident. These certificates are applicable to the workplace as well as the communities in which the mining operations exist,” said BCM CEO, Mr. Charles Siwawa.

The rich history of the Inter Mine Competition is a true testament to the mining industry’s commitment to ensure people can live safe, healthy, and dignified lives. It is also a call to action in spreading First Aid knowledge throughout communities.

“Being a humanitarian organization mandated with reducing deaths, injuries and the impact of disaster for human suffering alleviation, we understand better than most how this service can transform lives. For us, today isn’t just fun and games, it is a day that speaks to our preparedness to save lives,” said BRCS Secretary General, Mr. Kutlwano Mukokomani.

According to Mukokomani, between January and August 2024, 1,063 individuals received First Aid Training at the Botswana Red Cross Society, with 59% receiving mining First Aid certification. This demonstrates the seriousness with which the mining industry takes First Aid and safety, and BRCS’s conviction to provide this invaluable service.

“As a trusted humanitarian partner of choice, we remain steadfast in our commitment to saving lives, by continuing to offer First Aid to both individuals and corporations. By working together, we can tackle humanitarian challenges more effectively and efficiently,” concluded Mukokomani.

The readiness and ability of responders to save lives cannot be overstressed. Having these skills can help families, employees and communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Not just in their respective homes, but in the workplace, on the roads and in the community.