The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), on 21 July 2026, conducted a First Aid awareness session for workers involved in wool classing and record keeping at wool and mohair shearing sheds. The session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in accident prevention and emergency response.
The awareness session covered a range of life-saving topics, including controlling severe bleeding, managing fractures, treating burns, responding to seizures, and other essential First Aid techniques.
During the session, the growing need for First Aid training in shearing sheds across the country was highlighted. It was noted that many people still rely on outdated and unsafe methods when responding to emergencies, particularly burn injuries. This underscored the importance of equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate First Aid before professional medical assistance arrives.
The session brought together 43 participants from 21 shearing sheds in the Maseru District. Participants included wool classers and record keepers responsible for ensuring quality control and maintaining livestock records during shearing operations. Of those who attended, 19 were men and 24 were women, including 8 youth.
The programme was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Association (LNWMA). The LRCS facilitated the First Aid awareness session as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safer working environments and strengthen emergency preparedness in different setups.
Speaking on behalf of the LNWMA, District Marketing Officer Ms. Basetsana Thabana expressed appreciation to the LRCS for facilitating the session. She said the association had identified a gap in First Aid knowledge among workers and recognized the importance of equipping them with skills that contribute to a safer and healthier working environment.
Sharing her experience after the training, Mrs. Ts’epang Mamokhethi Makoa, Shed Supervisor at Semione Shearing Shed, said the training had given her the confidence to respond effectively during emergencies, both at work and at home.
“This training is very important because I am now able to assist my children whenever an emergency arises. I also learned that, as first aiders, our responsibility is to provide immediate care and preserve life until professional medical help arrives. We are not responsible for determining whether someone is dead, that is the responsibility of medical professionals.”
She added that the training had corrected many misconceptions about First Aid.
“I realized that I had been using outdated methods, such as applying salt, soil and methylated spirits to stop bleeding. I now understand the correct First Aid procedures. I encourage everyone to receive First Aid training, whether in the workplace, in communities, or in schools, because these are life-saving skills that everyone should have.”
The LRCS First Aid Trainer, Ms. Paballo Thatho, emphasized that increasing the number of trained first aiders would help reduce preventable injuries and deaths.
“If more people are trained in First Aid and equipped with the right skills, many lives can be saved and the severity of injuries can be reduced. There are many people who work in environments where emergencies are likely to occur or where they interact with large numbers of people, such as taxi drivers.”
She further explained that well-intentioned first responders sometimes cause more harm because they lack proper training.
“Many deaths and serious injuries occur because people try to help without knowing the correct First Aid procedures. In some cases, improper handling of an injured person can result in paralysis or even death. This is why proper First Aid training is so important.”
The LRCS remains committed to promoting a culture of safety and preparedness by empowering communities and workplaces with life-saving First Aid knowledge and skills.