More than 100 golf caddies from leading golf clubs in Nairobi, have received Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Responder certification. after completing a month-long training programme aimed at improving emergency preparedness on golf courses.
The training, conducted by The Nairobi Hospital in partnership with Brookside Dairies, equipped the caddies with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), managing choking incidents, controlling severe bleeding and providing first aid, before the arrival of medical professionals.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Nairobi, The Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Felix Osano, said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve emergency response within communities.
Osano noted that golf caddies are often among the first people to attend to golfers experiencing medical emergencies due to their close interaction with players during games.
“Equipping caddies with first responder skills would improve the safety of golfers, club members and employees by ensuring prompt intervention before professional medical teams arrive,” he said.
The training was delivered by clinicians from The Nairobi Hospital through classroom sessions and practical simulations, covering emergency scene assessment, airway management, choking response, use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and other critical first aid procedures.
Osano said early recognition of medical emergencies and timely intervention, can significantly improve survival rates and health outcomes, adding that the hospital remains committed to promoting preventive healthcare beyond traditional clinical settings.
Brookside Dairies General Manager for Marketing, Linda Atieno, said the Company supported the programme as part of its commitment to building safer and healthier communities.
She said equipping golf caddies, with emergency response skills would enable clubs to handle medical incidents more effectively, while waiting for specialised medical assistance.
The initiative brought together caddies from various golf clubs in Nairobi, providing them with practical knowledge that can be applied both on and off the course.
Hospital officials said they will continue partnering with organisations, to expand health awareness programmes and strengthen emergency preparedness among different groups.
They emphasized that having trained first responders within communities is critical, especially in situations where every minute counts before professional medical teams arrive.
By Aron Kinyamasyo
