As part of Cameroon’s observance of the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, celebrated every October 13, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, through the Civil Protection Department, launched a two-day training on first aid and fire safety from 19 to 20 December 2025. The programme took place at the Civil Protection office in Etoa-Meki, Yaounde, bringing together selected staff from various departments to strengthen their capacity to prevent, manage, and respond to emergencies. The session was chaired by the Director of Civil Protection, Madam Angèle Nzie Ntsama, who welcomed participants and explained that the training aims to ensure that each service within the Ministry has at least one staff member capable of providing immediate assistance during emergencies. Mr Ambombo Ngono Daniel Yves Rodrigue and Mr Ambombo Biba Narcisse, experts from the Red Cross, led the sessions, explaining key first aid and emergency response principles.Participants learnt that the main objectives of first aid are to save lives, prevent conditions from worsening, and support recovery. Participants were trained in assessing victims, clearing airways, placing unconscious individuals in the recovery position, and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation/combined chest compressions (CPR) when victims are not breathing.The trainers also covered the management of injuries, including fractures, dislocations, burns, and bleeding. Emphasis was placed on immobilising injuries, avoiding unnecessary movement, and giving reassurance and psychological support to victims. Special attention was given to handling spinal and skull injuries, which require careful immobilisation and urgent evacuation.Techniques for turning unconscious victims safely were demonstrated, with a focus on protecting the head by creating a supportive « wedge » with the hands. This training equips MINAT staff with essential life-saving skills, preparing them to respond effectively to emergencies in the workplace and in their communities.