Bermuda Red Cross Helping Football Clubs
The Bermuda Football Association [BFA] and the Bermuda Red Cross recently presented three field operators with Automated External Defibrillators [AED].
A spokesperson said, “Representatives from the Bermuda Athletic Association, Pembroke Hamilton Club, and the BFA received the machines at the Clyde Best Center of Excellence. The AED machines are a necessary tool when resuscitating a person who is suffering from heart failure.
“The Bermuda Red Cross offered training to clubs over the last year and we look forward to the remainder of our field operator clubs completing the necessary training in order to receive their AED machines.
“The BFA is committed to arming our clubs with resources to ensure the safe participation of players in our football leagues. The clubs who have received the machines are fully licensed and have the required number persons, who have completed CPR, First Aid and AED training, committed to assisting in the event of a medical emergency.”
Diane Gordon, Disaster Manager, Bermuda Red Cross, said, “Bermuda Red Cross [BeRC], through its Disaster Risk Reduction [DRR] program, identified a need within sports clubs generally to receive CPR/First Aid/AED training.
“The Bermuda Football Association [BFA] was initially targeted as an organization whose members represent broad communities and as such would be the most appropriate initial group to implement training.
“The BFA have agreed that all of the clubs will be required to undergo training with BeRC in 2018. Bermuda Red Cross has successfully implemented this particular program in other communities in Bermuda. “Our strength comes from our community.”
Troy Brimmer, BFA Executive Council Member and Chairman First Aid Committee, said, “This has been a rewarding project. Working along with the Bermuda Red Cross has been invaluable.
“We embarked on a journey to train club representatives in CPR, First Aid, and AED use to ensure the requirements for club licensing would be achieved. This presentation is a huge milestone in that project.”
Mark Wade, President of the BFA, said, “Over the last year our clubs have undertaken training initiatives on their own and as a part of BFA Club Licensing Program.
“Club representatives have completed workshops in Club Budgeting and Financial Reporting, QuickBooks, SCARS, as well as First Aid and AED training. This is the second equipment investment we have made into the product our clubs provide the football family.”
