In a proactive effort to empower seafarers’ wives with essential life-saving skills, SeaFam, in collaboration with SIMS Training Center and MarinoPh, hosted an afternoon of learning focused on “First Aid at Home.” The training session, led by Dr. Juan Garchitorena, was designed to provide these resilient women with practical knowledge on how to handle medical emergencies, a crucial skillset for those often left to care for their families while their husbands are away at sea.

Dr. Garchitorena, an expert in first aid and emergency response, guided the participants through a range of critical topics, including how to recognize key symptoms and signs in various emergency situations. His talk covered everything from managing common household injuries to identifying more serious conditions that require immediate attention. With practical demonstrations, he showed how to assist someone who is choking, teaching the wives the Heimlich maneuver and other techniques to safely clear airways in both children and adults.

One of the most important segments of the training was learning how to perform proper CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Dr. Garchitorena carefully explained the steps involved in administering CPR, allowing the participants to practice on a training mannequin. He emphasized the importance of staying calm and focused during emergencies, as quick and effective first aid can make a life-saving difference before professional medical help arrives.

The training also covered other critical first aid measures, such as handling cuts, burns, and fractures, as well as how to assemble and maintain a well-stocked first aid kit at home. Dr. Garchitorena encouraged the wives to be vigilant, not just for their children but also for themselves and other family members, empowering them to take immediate action when emergencies arise.

The significance of this training cannot be overstated. As the primary caregivers in their households, seafarers’ wives often manage the daily health and safety of their families on their own. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly in emergencies provides them with confidence and peace of mind, ensuring they can protect their loved ones when unexpected situations occur.

The session also fostered a strong sense of community among the participants, who shared their own experiences and learned from each other’s challenges. For these women, who are accustomed to holding the household together while their husbands are at sea, the training was not just informative but also deeply empowering.

By the end of the session, participants left with a renewed sense of preparedness, armed with practical skills that could one day save lives. This initiative by SeaFam, SIMS Training Center, and MarinoPh is part of a larger effort to support the well-being of seafarers’ families, recognizing that while the men are away navigating the seas, the wives are the anchors at home, tasked with safeguarding their families.

The “First Aid at Home” training highlighted the importance of equipping these women with knowledge that will help them handle emergencies with confidence and calm. Through initiatives like this, SeaFam continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering the families of seafarers, ensuring they are well-prepared to face any challenge that comes their way.