Community Awareness
Broad Public Awareness
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Although drowning truly is a public health issue in Vietnam, many local people are not aware of its magnitude. Even in situations where people are knowledgeable about the reality of the problem, they don’t necessarily know how to prevent drowning or assist those who are in trouble. Thus we also strive to save lives through broad community awareness programs. This portion of our work includes providing information through local television and radio shows about the realities of drowning and ways to prevent it. In 2016, we created 3 reports on both TV and radio that were heard and seen across our province starting in 2017. The reports shared the realities of drowning and the dangers everywhere, introduction of our survival swimming program and the necessity of water safety and survival swimming.
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Rescue and CPR
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Even though drowning is the third leading cause of death worldwide, no globally accepted method exists to prevent drowning. New research has identified steps that lay and professional rescuers can use to reduce this number. The Drowning Chain of Survival includes five life-saving steps: Prevent drowning, recognize distress, provide flotation, remove from water, and provide care as needed. Prevention is the most important factor in reducing drowning deaths.
More than 90 percent of the global drowning occurs in low- and medium-income countries. Often, a single tragedy multiplies when well-intentioned friends and bystanders try to save the victim and become victims themselves. We are developing strategies and interventions to bring life-saving techniques and education to the people and communities of Vietnam. We hope to partner with organizations bringing CPR to the community in the near future. |
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