First aid without barriers: empowering people with disabilities to train others

Odesa region has become the fifth region in Ukraine where Ukrainian Red Cross first aid instructors have completed specialised training to deliver first aid education for people with physical disabilities.

Over three days, 15 first aid instructors from the Odesa regional branch strengthened their knowledge and skills to facilitate adapted first aid training for people who use wheelchairs, have limb amputations, or have visual or hearing impairments.

During the training, participants explored inclusive communication approaches and methods for adapting training sessions. They also practised key first aid skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, assisting a person with airway obstruction, controlling severe bleeding, and responding to injuries and other medical emergencies, while taking into account the specific needs of people with physical disabilities.

These practical sessions help instructors better understand the barriers that people with disabilities may face and strengthen their ability to deliver inclusive, accessible first aid training for everyone.