Minister Liu Shih-fang Promotes First Aid, Disaster Knowledge at Zhonghe Safety Seminar

(CNA, New Taipei, 20th) A "Taiwan National Safety Guidelines Seminar" was held today in Zhonghe, New Taipei, featuring a CPR demonstration by substitute military servicemen. Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang stated that New Taipei has made rapid achievements in promoting disaster prevention specialists and hopes the public will learn relevant first aid and disaster prevention knowledge to save themselves and others in critical moments. The Ministry of the Interior held the seminar at Dongde Temple in Zhonghe, New Taipei, today. New Taipei City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Lin Wu-hung explained common fraud techniques, while Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Chen Kuo-chung lectured on evacuation measures during earthquakes and fires, and unboxed the essential items in an emergency preparedness kit. In her address, Liu Shih-fang said that New Taipei City has achieved rapid success in training disaster prevention specialists. Currently, there are about 133,000 specialists across Taiwan, with 25,000 in New Taipei City, meaning one in every five to six specialists is from New Taipei. Liu said that learning CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is crucial. She recounted an incident where a borough chief's husband suddenly collapsed upon waking up, and the chief immediately performed CPR, saving his life. The neighborhood later became a "resilient community." If people develop first aid and disaster prevention knowledge, they can save themselves and others and help their community in critical moments. Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Chang Chih-lun said that the unity between central and local governments and the determination to protect Taiwan are visible to all. The government is also enhancing Taiwan's security through a triad of training involving substitute military service, disaster prevention specialists, and civil defense. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Su Chiao-hui pointed out that while people often say praying at a temple brings blessings, the "little orange book" distributed at the event ensures safety through reading and preparation. It clearly explains potential disasters in Taiwan and how to respond when alarms sound, acting like a protective talisman for public safety. Substitute servicemen also demonstrated CPR on-site, teaching residents the mnemonic "Call, Call, CABD." First, call out to the patient to check for breathing and response. If the patient is unconscious and has no heartbeat or pulse, immediately call 119 for an ambulance and ask someone to get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Then, proceed with CABD: Chest compressions, Airway, Breathing, and Defibrillation with an AED.