Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently conducted a workshop to enhance the first aid and basic life support skills of its student leaders, in preparation for welcoming 8,000 new students. The training, held on May 29, 2025, was a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Medicine’s Student Primary Care Unit and the university’s Student Development and Alumni Relations Division.
The “Workshop on Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Basic First Aid for the Student Health Team Network” saw 170 participants, including student leaders from all faculties, the Student Organization, and other interested students. The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, and attended by Assistant Professor Katcharin Phunikhom, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs at Srinagarind Hospital.
Associate Professor Dr. Pensri emphasized the importance of the training, stating, “This workshop equips participants with crucial skills to save lives correctly and promptly in emergency situations.” She noted that the 170 trained student volunteers, alongside medical teams, will oversee activities for the incoming 8,000 freshmen. “As activities will be lengthy and occur in hot weather, and individuals have varying levels of physical endurance, this training is organized to prepare everyone for group activities,” she added.
Assistant Professor Katcharin Phunikhom highlighted the critical need for basic first aid knowledge. “This project stems from an awareness of the importance of basic first aid. In accidents, disasters, or severe illnesses, rapid and correct assistance can save lives,” he explained. “This is especially true in cases where a patient stops breathing or their heart stops, as the brain can suffer oxygen deprivation, leading to death or brain damage within 4-6 minutes. Therefore, possessing first aid skills is essential.”
The workshop covered two main topics: “Principles of Basic First Aid,” led by Mr. Supachai Chanphosri, a specialist nurse from the Student Primary Care Unit, and “Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),” conducted by a team from Srinagarind Hospital’s CPR Unit. The CPR training team included professional nurses Mr. Kongla Saenphan, Mr. Kittipong Dangnamthiang, Mr. Anon Thuriwan, and Mr. Supachai Chanphosri.
Ms. Dueanpen Srikha, Head of the Student Primary Care Unit at KKU, stated that the project reflects the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded graduates with essential life skills who can be good citizens. “This aligns with our strategy to produce quality graduates with social responsibility. Building a strong student health team network will be a vital force in ensuring the safety of the university community and society at large,” she said.
The comprehensive training included the importance of basic first aid, treatment for various wounds, use of first aid kits, assessment of unconscious and non-breathing individuals, CPR procedures, and hands-on CPR practice on mannequins. Participants also received information on patient referral processes and students’ healthcare rights.
