Promoting emergency preparedness in all local congregations under its supervision, the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand South conducted its first aid training seminar on June 27, 2026.

Society of Communicators and Networkers, International (SCAN) officers, among others, from the local congregations of Christchurch, Fitzgerald, Halswell, and Christchurch East attended this life-saving activity that was hosted at the First Aid Training Company Ltd. facility along Springs Road, Hornby, Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Safety remains a primary concern during large-scale gatherings. Safety personnel with updated skills provides members and invited guests with total confidence that their welfare is securely protected,” Brother Noel Ilan, district Church Officers and Safety overseer, pointed out.

Expert instruction, practical demonstrations, and professional guidance were given by Deepa Dassanayake, the clinical advisor of the First Aid Training Company Ltd. Participants underwent emergency scene and patient assessments, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, Choking relief management, and Fracture and sprain stabilization.

Victor Ragidi, a SCAN member from the Christchurch Congregation, expressed thankfulness for the activity believing that “Regular re-training is essential and keeps the team updated on modern techniques and new life-saving tools.”

Robert Torres, district SCAN president, stated that the seminar directly empowers members to protect the welfare of both the congregation and the surrounding community. “This activity aims to equip SCAN members with life-saving skills. As trained personnel, they can assist people in need.”

Brother Uziel B. Bongares, district supervising minister, explained, “The Church continuously encourages these programs because mutual care as a Christian responsibility is prioritized. It aligns with the SCAN motto, ‘Saving Lives Is Our Priority’.”