Within the framework of the “First Aid” project, theoretical and practical training will be conducted for adolescents aged 16–18 in three communities: the towns of Ashtarak and Charentsavan, and the village of Pokr Masrik.

Current Challenges

To date, one of the key civil defense challenges in our country is the lack of first aid knowledge and skills among broad segments of the population. Earthquakes frequently occur in Armenia, and many road traffic accidents result in fatalities. In emergency situations and accidents, first aid plays a crucial role in saving human lives. The lack of skills and capacity to assist in such situations often leads to the death of injured persons before emergency medical services arrive. During wartime, the number of fatalities and injuries would have been significantly lower if appropriate first aid or self-aid had been provided in time.

First Aid in Practice

Our objective is to contribute to the formation of a resilient generation capable of responding appropriately to future crises, from natural disasters to man-made accidents. Therefore, the VOAM NGO organizes extracurricular practical “First Aid” training for adolescents aged 16–18 in various communities across Armenia. The training will enable adolescents to acquire essential practical knowledge and develop first aid skills, in particular:

• Bleeding control. Bandaging.
• Examination and evacuation of casualties. Casualty triage.
• Chest injuries (pneumothorax) and open abdominal injuries (evisceration).
• Shock: identifying types and preventing progression.
• Acute respiratory disorders and airway obstruction by foreign bodies.
• Unconscious casualty, recovery position (RP). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Musculoskeletal system injuries. Use of a stretcher.
• First aid for conditions caused by external environmental factors.
• First aid for snake bites and stings of venomous insects.

The course includes 24 sessions. Each training group consists of 15 to 20 participants. Upon completion, participants will receive certificates of completion.

Budget of the “First Aid” Course

In the first phase of the project, training will be organized in three communities: Ashtarak, Charentsavan, and the village of Pokrik Masrik. Funds raised will be allocated to instructors’ fees and, where necessary, reimbursement of travel expenses.

Goal 1 – 130 000 AMD (Ashtarak, Charentsavan)

• Instructors’ fee - 120 000 AMD
• Instructor’s travel expenses (Yerevan - Ashtarak) - 10 000 AMD

Goal 2 – 215 000 AMD (Pokr Masrik village)

• Instructor’s fee - 120 000 AMD
• Instructor’s travel expenses (Martuni - Pokr Masrik) - 95 000 AMD

First aid training equipment required for each group (20 participants) is provided by the VOAM NGO.

About us

The “Association of Search and Rescue Clubs” NGO was founded in 2021. Our mission is to help build a society where people are prepared for emergencies and possess first aid skills. We provide knowledge and experience that make the lives of ordinary citizens safer and enable people to prepare for and navigate any crisis. Our goal is to promote public safety and strengthen the connection between the state and society.