First-aid education

Health care is very limited in the Longido region and as such what might be a small cut to your average person can rapidly transform into a life and death situation for the Maasai.

The Engikaret Dispensary is a government run healthcare facility in the Longido region where individuals can receive treatment for anything from a flu to HIV and anything in between. Given the conditions, it is well established; however, there is always room for improvement. Young children, elderly individuals and pregnant women all receive treatment for free which is a sign for a promising future regarding rural healthcare in Tanzania.

Poor transportation and inaccessibility can exacerbate even the slightest of ailments, and that is why we as an organisation are working hard to improve the basic first aid skills of the Maasai people so that they can treat small wounds, and basic ailments within their villages, where possible.

Project Kilimanjaro plans to educate the Maasai villagers on a wide array of first aid responses, including assessing emergency situations and carrying out appropriate action, as well as recognizing and giving first aid to major illnesses. Here are some of the skills we hope to educate the Maasai people on:

  • Carry out artificial ventilation and chest compressions.

  • Clear obstructed airway.

  • Treat minor cuts and wounds to prevent further infection.

  • Control severe bleeding.

  • Recognize and give first aid shock.

  • Understand the requirements of a first aid kit and how to report accidents in the workplace.

  • Deal with burns and scalds.

  • Recognize and give first aid fractures.

  • Carry out the duties of a First Aider in a safe and approved manner, with no risk to self or third party.