Red Cross hosts first aid and hygiene classes

Hoping to teach youngsters at the Boys Club of New York in Flushing about the importance of basic first aid and hygiene, staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC)-Queens recently held informational sessions.
Some 100 youngsters at the Boys Club learned about Basic Aid Training (BAT), which taught safety and first aid procedures for breathing difficulties, bleeding, poisoning, burns and shock. Through a series of quizzes, activities and games, BAT empowers children to prevent accidents by giving them the basic skills they need to identify potentially harmful situations.
Other programs included the Scrubby Bear Washing Program, which focuses on personal hygiene and First Aid for Children Today (FACT) helps youngsters understand the important role they have in managing their own health/safety and the health of the environment in which they live. Additionally, Longfellow's Water Habits Are Learned Early (WHALE) dealt with the hazards children may encounter in the water.
&#8220While helping borough residents with information about what to do to protect themselves and their families during an emergency, the hot weather also allowed us to inform them that it is their responsibility to remain cool and to use caution during the summer months,” said Joan Foley, director of the ARC. &#8220Besides taking care of ourselves, we also must watch out for others who may require assistance, including children, seniors and even pets.”