TWENTY-EIGHT Lindeners are now certified in General First Aid, Home Nursing and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after successfully graduating from the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Linden Branch.

The simple graduation ceremony that was recently held was part of the calendar of activities hosted in celebration of the Brigade’s 84th Anniversary.

The graduation marked the end of a five-week programme in the aforementioned fields.

Delivering the charge to the students was local pastor, Carvil Bakker, who told the graduates that this is just the beginning of a meaningful career in the medical field and a window that can be used for elevation into other courses. He encouraged them to be resilient and not to give up when challenges arise. He added that the task at hand is not an easy one, but with perseverance and dedication they will succeed.

Dr. Michael Marks, a medical practitioner attached to the medical institution also encouraged the graduates to exercise patience and to be courageous, noting that courage is not the absence of fear, but not allowing that fear to stop you. He reminded them of the importance of their jobs, since they are the ones to have the first contact with the patients and efforts put forth by them can determine either life or death.

In addition to the graduation ceremony, the calendar of activities that are being held in recognition of the Brigades 84th anniversary includes a voluntary outreach at the Linden Hospital Complex, where the graduates will be given a chance to showcase their skills, a visit to the elderly attached to the Golden Age Club at the Dorfolk home, where they will be treated and pampered, a medical outreach, a road march and a leisure outing.

The St. John’s Ambulance Brigade also has divisions in Georgetown and Berbice. It was established in 1933 under the leadership of Dr. L. H Yodan. The Brigade, which is the para-military and reserve arm was established in 1952, with Sir Frank Holder as the Commissioner. The first official headquarters of the St John’s Ambulance Station in Guyana was formally declared open on November 15, 1952.

Linden’s division is now contracted to the Linden Hospital Complex and Bosai Mineral Group Incorporated with 20 Lindeners in its employ. Each year the Brigade trains over 20 persons who enables them to pursue a career in the medical field.