Training Workshop: “Identifying Hazard – Basic First Aid Skill” Contributing To Safer Environments For Children

Linh Xuan Ward, August 15, 2025 - The Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Youth Federation, in collaboration with ASIF Foundation and Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN) Social Enterprise, organized a training workshop on “Identifying Hazards and Preventing Injuries – Basic First Aid” for 40 teachers, officers, and staff members, as well as 10 students at the Linh Xuan Center for the Nurturing and Protection of Children. The trainees are those directly caring for and accompanying 72 orphaned children living with HIV at the center. The program is funded by Thanh Thanh Cong – Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company (TTC AgriS) and is part of the Safe Flush project.

Workshop modules included:

• Hands-on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first-aid skills for common school incidents such as falls, choking on foreign objects, and drowning.

• Practical risk identification and assessment: spotting potential injury hazards and proposing mitigation measures to improve school safety.

• Use of the SSVN First Aid App to quickly access step-by-step emergency guidance when incidents occur.

• Rollout schedule: The program was piloted at Long Thanh My School on August 13 and will continue through August at the following schools, in time for the new academic year: Tan Thanh Dong 3 School – Phu Hoa Dong Commune; Pham Van Hai school – Tan Vinh Loc Commune; Le Minh Xuan 3 School – Binh Loi Commune.

Why First-Aid Training Matters

According to the Ministry of Health, injuries are a leading cause of death among children in Vietnam. In practice, when adults have basic first-aid knowledge and skills, the consequences of accidents can be reduced significantly.

First aid is not only a lifesaving skill—it is the first line of defense that protects children from harm. A correct, timely intervention can restore a child’s breathing or circulation and limit long-term injury. Training teachers and caregivers—the people who are with children every day—is therefore crucial to building a safer school environment.

From a trainee:

“With so many children at the Linh Xuan Center, this basic first-aid course is essential for our staff. After learning the protocols and practicing diverse scenarios, I feel much more confident handling emergencies to protect the children.”

From AgriS E&S representative, Mr. Phan Van Chi Thien:

“First aid is not just a lifesaving skill; it is part of the toolkit that safeguards children’s lives. Through this project, we want to help spread knowledge and strengthen the skills of those who care for and teach children every day—and AgriS is committed to continuing our support for a school environment that is safe in both infrastructure and skills.”

Combining Facilities Upgrades with Child-Safety Training

This training serves as the skills component of the project Safe Flush – Phase 2

Phase 1 (completed): Restroom upgrades at 5 sites:

·        Long Thạnh Mỹ School (Long Bình Commune)

·        Tân Thạnh Đông 3 School (Phú Hòa Đông Commune)

·        Phạm Văn Hai School (Tân Vĩnh Lộc Commune)

·        Lê Minh Xuân 3 School (Bình Lợi Commune)

·        Linh Xuân Center (Linh Xuân Ward)

Phase 2 (underway): Adds child-protection skills training alongside continued facility improvements to create a safe, holistic learning environment.

Acknowledgements

ASIF Foundation extends its sincere thanks to AgriS for funding and the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Youth Federation and Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN) for coordinating the Safe Flush project. Combining facility upgrades with hands-on training ensures a holistic safeguard for children’s health and safety.