Equipped to Serve

Staff and students of St John the Baptist Theological College (SJTBTC) recently participated in a valuable two-day First Aid Training conducted by the Fiji Red Cross Society. The training equipped participants with essential life-saving knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in emergency situations within the community.

The College community expresses its sincere gratitude for the opportunity to undertake this training, and especially to the Trust Office for initiating and supporting this important programme. Such training strengthens the readiness of both staff and ordinands to respond to situations where immediate care and calm leadership are required.

A key component of the training focused on the DRSABCD emergency action plan, a systematic approach used by first aid responders. Participants learned how to assess and respond to emergencies by following these critical steps:

• D – Danger: Ensuring the safety of the responder, the casualty, and others nearby before providing assistance.

• R – Response: Checking if the person is conscious and able to respond.

• S – Send for Help: Calling for emergency assistance or ensuring someone else contacts emergency services.

• A – Airway: Checking and clearing the airway to ensure the person can breathe.

• B – Breathing: Observing whether the casualty is breathing normally.

• C – CPR: Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is not breathing.

• D – Defibrillation: Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) when available.

Through demonstrations and practical exercises, participants gained confidence in applying these steps in real-life situations. The training emphasized the importance of acting quickly, calmly, and responsibly in emergencies.

For ordinands preparing for ministry, these skills are deeply relevant to their calling. Priests are often present in moments of crisis—whether during accidents, natural disasters, or situations of illness within the community. Being trained in first aid enables them to respond not only with prayer and pastoral care but also with practical assistance that can preserve life and prevent further harm.

The ministry of the Church has always embraced both spiritual and physical care. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ demonstrates compassion by healing the sick, caring for the wounded, and responding to the suffering of those around him. Learning first aid echoes this ministry of healing and compassion, reminding future priests that their vocation includes attending to the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

In many Pacific communities, clergy are among the first people called upon when emergencies occur. Having the knowledge of the DRSABCD response process equips them to act wisely and confidently while waiting for professional medical help to arrive.

SJTBTC is thankful to the Fiji Red Cross Society for sharing their expertise and guiding staff and students through this important training. The College also appreciates the foresight of the Trust Office in ensuring that the community is equipped with these essential life skills.

As the ordinands continue their formation for ministry, the lessons learned through this training remind them that the call to serve Christ’s people includes being ready to respond with compassion, responsibility, and practical care in moments of urgency. Developing these first aid skills is also an important step toward building a safe and resilient Church, where clergy and church communities are better prepared to respond to emergencies, protect life, and care for those in need within the community.