The Red Cross associations of both Beijing and Hong Kong jointly launched special classes in first aid professional training for the 2008 Olympics on Monday.

 

Professionals from the Hong Kong Red Cross coach students for giving treatment in a mock emergency operation on Monday, December 4, 2006. [Photo: chinatimes]

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The Beijing-based China Times reports drivers, policemen, park and hotel workers and shop assistants are given priority for the classes.

 

The Beijing Red Cross will select 300 freshmen from eight colleges every year to receive first aid training. Under the plan every 50 students will have access to one teacher qualified for providing first aid service in Beijing's elementary and middle schools.

 

The training is expected to cover 1.5 percent of the permanent population in Beijing by the end of this year. One in every 100 will possess a first aid certificate.

 

By 2008 two percent of the permanent population in Beijing is scheduled to receive first aid training with one in 80 holding a certificate.

 

A total of 180,000 people are expected to hold first-aid certificates before the Olympics. The Beijing Red Cross told the China Times first-aid certificate holders enjoy a preference in being recruited as volunteers to serve at the Games.

 

In addition, the two Red Cross associations are also cooperating to compile textbooks on emergency and rescue services provided during the 2008 Olympics. ??

 

(CRI December 5, 2006)