Last Friday marked a significant and highly beneficial collaborative event as the SheCanCODE cohort and the dedicated staff of the Igire Rwanda Organization (IRO) came together for an inspiring and intensely practical first-aid session. This vital training was expertly conducted by the Ambucycle team, whose specialized knowledge and hands-on approach provided an invaluable learning experience for all participants.

The session was meticulously designed to equip attendees with critical life-saving skills, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to practical application. It served as a powerful and timely reminder that in emergencies, a combination of fundamental skills, specifically, maintaining composure under pressure, executing correct and precise techniques, and possessing the confidence to act decisively, is the absolute deciding factor. These elements collectively bridge the gap between initial panic and the ability to initiate an effective and potentially life-saving rescue. The training underscored the profound impact that preparedness can have, empowering individuals to respond with efficiency and empathy when faced with medical emergencies.

Why This Training Mattered

SheCanCODE is dedicated to empowering individuals not just with cutting-edge digital skills for robust career advancement, but also with a comprehensive suite of life skills that are crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges. We strongly recognize that while technical proficiency opens doors, the ability to respond effectively in emergencies is paramount for the safety and resilience of our community.

This commitment led us to partner with Ambucycle, a renowned organization specializing in emergency medical training. By equipping all our learners and staff with practical, hands-on medical knowledge, we are significantly enhancing the safety and preparedness of every individual within the SheCanCODE ecosystem. Ambucycle's highly effective approach made essential medical information incredibly easy to understand and immediately applicable in real-world scenarios. Their training covered a wide range of critical topics, from basic first aid and CPR to managing common injuries and understanding when to seek professional medical help. This initiative ensures that our entire community is better prepared to handle unexpected medical situations, fostering a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

What We Learned

Ambucycle conducted an in-depth and highly interactive training session that seamlessly integrated theoretical explanations with practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises. The curriculum was meticulously designed to cover a broad spectrum of critical first-aid skills, ensuring participants gained both knowledge and practical proficiency.

The core areas of focus within the session included:

• Scene Assessment and Safety Procedures: Participants were thoroughly trained on how to approach an emergency situation safely. This involved learning to quickly and accurately assess the scene for potential dangers to themselves, the injured individual, and bystanders, and how to mitigate these risks before assisting. Emphasis was placed on prioritizing personal safety to avoid becoming a second casualty.


• Effective Communication with Emergency Responders and Proper Methods for Calling for Help:A significant portion of the training was dedicated to mastering clear and concise communication with emergency services. This included understanding what vital information to relay (e.g., location, nature of injury, number of casualties), how to remain calm under pressure, and the correct procedures for initiating an emergency call to ensure a rapid and appropriate response.


• Fundamental Wound Care and Bandaging Skills:Attendees received comprehensive instruction on various types of wounds and their appropriate initial management. This segment covered cleaning minor wounds, identifying signs of infection, and the correct techniques for applying different types of bandages to protect wounds and prevent further contamination.


• Techniques for Managing Bleeding and Correctly Applying Pressure:Recognizing that uncontrolled bleeding can be life-threatening, the session provided detailed guidance on various methods to control hemorrhage. This included direct pressure, elevation, and the proper application of tourniquets in severe cases, ensuring participants understood when and how to use each technique effectively.


• The Recovery Position and How to Assess Breathing: Participants learned the importance and correct application of the recovery position for unconscious individuals who are breathing. This included understanding how to safely move a casualty into this position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration, alongside practical methods for accurately assessing a person's breathing.


• Basic CPR Procedures and Guidelines for Initiating Chest Compressions:A crucial component of the training involved hands-on practice of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This segment covered the step-by-step process of performing chest compressions and rescue breaths, adhering to current guidelines for adult, child, and infant CPR, and understanding when to initiate and discontinue compressions. The focus was on ensuring participants could confidently perform this life-saving technique.

Participants practiced scenarios, applied dressings, and role-played real emergencies helping them build muscle memory and confidence.

Moments That Stood Out

The emphasis was always on hands-on practice: participants got to role-play scenarios, apply dressings, and practice positioning - which is the fastest way to build muscle memory and confidence.

A cornerstone of the day's curriculum was the unwavering emphasis on the critical role of maintaining composure in high-stress situations. Throughout every module and practical exercise, instructors consistently underscored that a calm demeanor is not merely a desirable trait, but an essential prerequisite for clear, rational thinking and the ability to execute swift, effective actions. This sentiment resonated deeply with participants, as evidenced by one individual's poignant reflection: “Knowing what to do makes me feel stronger - I can help rather than freeze.” This powerful statement encapsulates the transformative impact of the training, shifting participants from potential paralysis to empowered intervention. The value of these practical demonstrations, tailored for diverse school and community environments, was repeatedly highlighted by IRO staff, who recognized their direct applicability in real-world scenarios.

Further solidifying these vital lessons, Ambucycle’s highly experienced trainers provided a series of concise, yet impactful, real-world anecdotes. These compelling narratives served as powerful illustrations of how rapid, straightforward responses, often involving seemingly simple actions, have been demonstrably instrumental in saving lives. By sharing these vivid accounts, the trainers effectively bridged the gap between abstract theoretical steps and their profound, life-altering impact, making the training immediately tangible and deeply resonant for all attendees. The stories transformed mere instructions into compelling evidence of the power of preparedness and quick thinking, reinforcing the central message that a calm, informed response can indeed be the difference between life and death.

Thank You, Ambucycle

We would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the entire Ambucycle team for their exceptional dedication and expertise. Their contribution has been instrumental in equipping our participants and staff with critical, life-saving skills.

The Ambucycle trainers consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, creating a positive and conducive learning environment. Their empathetic approach ensured that every individual felt supported and encouraged throughout the training sessions. They meticulously structured the curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises, which significantly enhanced the learning experience. This practical methodology was key to empowering our team with invaluable skills that are not only applicable in emergencies but also in various aspects of their educational pursuits, personal lives, and active engagement within the wider community.

Specifically, the training focused on essential first aid techniques, emergency response protocols, and critical decision-making under pressure. Participants learned how to assess situations, provide immediate care, and effectively communicate with emergency services. These skills are particularly crucial for our staff who often work in educational settings, enabling them to respond swiftly and confidently to any unforeseen medical emergencies involving students or colleagues. Furthermore, the knowledge gained extends beyond professional boundaries, empowering individuals to act as responsible and prepared citizens within their communities, ready to assist family members, friends, or strangers in times of need.