Essar Foundation, in association with HSE department, CBM Raniganj, Essar Oil Limited Durgapur organized a two-day first aid training program for the rural youth of Malandigh Gram Panchayat. Knowledge of administering first aid is a must for everyone, especially those functioning in accident-prone and vulnerable conditions. Emergencies occur all around us, in all spheres of life. When this happens, basic first aid can equip anyone around the injured person to reduce the danger posed by the accident and
enhance the response time to deal with it rapidly. Training on first aid is of immense help for rural communities as their access and availability of institutional care is usually low. In such situations they can render first aid in the village to anyone who needs it even before professional health care may be sought. The training was targeted at the youth on how to respond to critical and emergency situations when no immediate medical help is available. The participants learnt how to tackle medical emergencies of burn patients, snake bite, control of bleeding, protection from infections and dealing with
bone fractures. Techniques like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's respiration or heartbeat has stopped was also taught through practical demonstration. There was also a wide ranging discussion on home nursing, hygiene and sanitation issues. 
The training was conducted by St. John Ambulance, Kolkata which specializes in first aid training programs. The event was appreciated by the Panchayat Body and they have requested to spread this message to other villages and schools. Twenty rural youth from 10 villages attended the training programme on November 12 and 13, 2013.
