By Precious D. Freeman
The Regional Office of the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has successfully conducted a life-saving simulation exercise focused on road traffic accident response.
The event, held under the theme “Building Resilience and Saving Lives with Focus on Strengthening Local Response to Road Traffic Accidents,” aimed to enhance community preparedness and response capabilities in the face of emergencies.
This exercise is part of the Red Cross’s broader multi-hazard simulation plan within the three-year Green Inclusive and Resilient Liberian Communities (GIRL) project.
Supported by the Embassy of Sweden through the Swedish Red Cross, the GIRL project is dedicated to improving community resilience, promoting climate change adaptation, and building local capacities in health and disaster risk reduction across Sinoe, River Gee, and Grand Kru counties.
During the opening remarks, Project Officer Mary-Anne Swope Kpangbai stressed the unpredictability and potential severity of road traffic accidents, which can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
“The ability to respond quickly and effectively can significantly reduce the impact of such events,” she said, highlighting the critical role of LNRCS’s local structures in emergency response.
The simulation exercise brought together a diverse group of participants, including local law enforcement, emergency health workers, motorcyclists, market vendors, local authorities, media representatives, and Red Cross volunteers from the surrounding counties.
The collaborative effort aimed to encourage timely responses and immediate first aid in the event of road traffic accidents.
Participants engaged in practical scenarios designed to test their emergency management skills, providing essential training in life-saving assistance and community resilience-building.
The exercise also fostered collaboration among various stakeholders, enhancing the collective capacity to respond effectively to road traffic incidents.
“This event is a success, reflecting your strong commitment to safety and readiness in the community,” remarked Mrs. Swope Kpangbai during the debriefing meeting.
She expressed gratitude for the active participation of all involved and emphasized the vital importance of community collaboration in managing emergency incidents and saving lives.
The GIRL project continues to be a cornerstone initiative in Southeast Liberia, equipping communities to tackle various hazards, including those posed by climate change and health emergencies.
Through exercises like this, the Liberia National Red Cross Society remains dedicated to preparing Liberian communities for effective emergency response and recovery.
