For over a decade, I have provided training for first aid to a variety of groups. The groups are very diverse, but one thing remains constant, all who attend are preparing themselves for the future. Many take the course so that, in case of illness or injury, they are prepared to act and assist those in need of help. You see, the definition of first aid, according to St John’s Ambulance is the help given to someone who is injured or ill to keep them safe and to cause no further harm. The role of a first aider is to give someone this help. Tens of thousands of people take on the challenge and the responsibility to care for other’s lives in their time of need every year and are ready to assist when others walk away. At times, those in need are not found in favourable locations. Rarely have I come upon a casualty who is found in a warm, comfortable location. Most of the time, I am doing first aid in the rain or snow, it’s cold and I get very messy. In the end, though, the person comes through it all and learns to be a bit more careful going forward; usually.
There is a parable in the Book of Luke in chapter 10 that talks of first aid.
30 A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” NLT
Consider this in all you do each day, should you come across anyone in need of physical, emotional or spiritual assistance, are you ready and willing to lend assistance when asked? Are you trained to provide first aid for those who are reaching out in fear or pain? Are you equipped to be there when needed? The question we all need to ask is this, what do I need to do to help my brother or sister who is in need?
This weekend, I am teaching first aid to a group of youth in Calgary, but we look forward to hearing from Rev. Glenn Reeder who will bless us with a wonderful message. The service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 10:30 AM, at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
