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Wang Qian-Herald Correspondent

The 18th China Medical Team to Zimbabwe visited the Hossana Love in Africa Children’s Home and Hossana School on June 1st International Children’s Day. 

Chinese doctors conducted a lively and interesting first aid for choking child lecture. In order to prepare for this lecture, the Chinese doctors set out to prepare one week in advance. 

They searched for literature and guidelines related to the first aid of choking victims in the past five years and made the slides in photo format to aid in giving lecture.

Since it was impossible to purchase airway and lung models, the doctors made simple airway models using syringe gloves and water bottles to make it easier for children to understand the principles of how the foreign body lodged in the windpipe. 

They also collected various types of choking hazard in their resident in order to show children the common items that can cause choking in their home. The doctors conducted a number of lecture rehearsals in advance to ensure that the children can understand during the formal lecture.

Before the lecture, the children sang and danced to express their gratitude to the Chinese doctors. African children are born singers and dancers. 

The warm and cheerful atmosphere of the children made us empathise, and the doctors joined the dance team following the rhythm of the music.

During the lecture, the doctors talked about what is choking, what can cause choking, how to prevent choking and how to give first aid for a choking victim.

In order to allow children to participate more actively in learning, the doctors specially added a prize-winning question and answer session, and have two doctors to demonstrate the entire first aid process as a role play. Through our full preparation in the early stage, they use vivid forms to tell the children how to save a choking victim, making the whole process full of joy, and children have actively raised their hands to participate in interactive games. 

After that, the children practiced in pairs and the doctors also conducted one-on-one guidance on the mistakes in the first aid manoeuvre.

After the lecture the Chinese doctors provided free health services for the children and teachers and donated toys and snacks. Many children said that they want to become a doctor when they grow up in order to help more people in need. The doctors and the children spent a meaningful Children’s Day together. Wish all these children love and health!

 The writer, Wang Qian is a member of Chinese medical team.