Johan – First Aid Instructor
" I really enjoy reworking and enriching a training course with my own insights and experience. At the same time, our courses are always evidence-based — that is the quality label of Belgian Red Cross‑Flanders."
In my early sixties, I applied for the role of First Aid Instructor for companies. What appealed to me most was that, in addition to the classic first-aid courses, we also offer First Aid for Mental Health Issues. I am both a general and a psychiatric nurse, and I have worked mostly in the latter role. Strengthening mental well-being has always been my greatest passion. Being able to use that passion for an important global player like the Red Cross means a lot to me.
I provide First Aid training in a wide variety of contexts: from maritime companies to schools and organizations in the care sector. Through our courses, the participants’ confidence grows so they can take effective action when an accident happens or when a colleague is struggling mentally. By combining theory with practical exercises, they learn, for example, how to use an AED correctly during resuscitation.
“I’m always genuinely happy when, at the end of a training session, I hear that the participants’ confidence has grown to take action in emergency situations. That’s how we save lives.”
Being part of the internationally renowned Red Cross and having access to broad, evidence-based expertise makes this role particularly meaningful to me. Getting to do this alongside experienced and warm colleagues is the icing on the cake.
