First Aid Training for Hearing-Impaired Students and Staff at The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Thuy An

On June 3 and 4, RTCCD (Research and Training Centre for Community Development), in collaboration with The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Thuy An, organized a two-day first aid training course for 32 hearing-impaired students and 35 healthcare workers, teachers, and staff members of the Center.

The training was attended by Assistant Professor Jacob Alhassan and three medical students from the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (Canada). Representing RTCCD, Dr. Le Duc Duy and Dr. Pham Ha Thu jointly facilitated the teaching and practical training activities.

This activity is part of the long-term partnership between RTCCD and the University of Saskatchewan, which has been maintained since 2013 through training, research, and technical exchange activities in the field of public health. Over the years, the two organizations have jointly implemented numerous practical learning programs, providing medical students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and apply the knowledge and skills acquired at university in real-world settings in developing countries. At the same time, professors and resident physicians accompanying the delegations have conducted training sessions and exchanged advanced knowledge, techniques, and practical experiences currently applied in Canada with RTCCD staffs. This training activity also contributes to the implementation of the “Program on Assistance for Persons with Disabilities for the Period 2021–2030” (Decision No. 1190/QD-TTg dated May 5, 2020, issued by the Prime Minister of Vietnam).

The training program is also part of the ongoing efforts of RTCCD and The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Thuy An to improve access to health knowledge and healthcare skills for persons with disabilities, as well as for those who work directly with children with disabilities.

The course focused on practical and essential first aid topics, including bleeding control, fracture management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), choking response and airway obstruction management, as well as recognition and management of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In addition to theoretical presentations, the program dedicated substantial time to hands-on practice using training mannequins and simulated emergency scenarios.

Throughout the training, the hearing-impaired students actively participated in practical exercises. Many volunteered to demonstrate first aid techniques in front of the class and communicated with instructors through the support of sign language interpreters. The interpreting team also regularly worked with instructors to adjust communication methods, helping ensure that the training content was more accessible and responsive to the learners’ needs.

One of the most memorable aspects for the instructors from RTCCD and the University of Saskatchewan was the students’ enthusiasm for learning. Despite facing certain challenges due to language barriers, the students remained highly engaged in practical activities, proactively interacted with instructors, and demonstrated strong interest throughout the course. Their eagerness to learn contributed to a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.

The collaboration among the University of Saskatchewan, RTCCD, and The Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Thuy An reflects the shared commitment of Canada and Vietnam to promoting access to health promotion and safety programs for persons with disabilities. It also strengthens connections among domestic and international partners working toward the common goal of sustainable community development.