First in Turkey: AKUT Launches First Aid Theater

First Aid Theater staged in Turkey for the first time through collaboration between AKUT and SEV to raise awareness on first aid.

AKUT, in collaboration with the Sağlık ve Eğitim Vakfı (Health and Education Foundation), implemented a first aid theater project for the first time in Turkey to increase knowledge of first aid among children aged 10-14 and to draw attention to the importance of first aid. In May, the "First Aid Theater" play, staged for the first time in Turkey, was watched with interest by students at Üsküdar SEV Middle School Çamlıca Campus. AKUT, which continues its work to raise public awareness, aims to develop consciousness particularly from young ages regarding first aid—a subject everyone should know, which can save lives through even minor interventions. With this objective, AKUT prepared the First Aid play with experts in the field. The play was set in motion with a team consisting of three professional theater actors proficient in first aid intervention and AKUT trainers. The scenario for the play was written by actor Emre Şen, a beloved television personality. The project, prepared with the approval of Ministry of Health first aid trainers, took nearly a year in preparation. The staged play included mutual aid, the importance of first aid, and proper responses to accidents and emergencies that may occur in daily life. The play, staged for the first time in May at Üsküdar SEV Middle School with two performances, was watched with enjoyment by students together with their teachers. Through the play, it was conveyed how people should act when assisting an accident victim. Students participated interactively in the play while also finding the opportunity to conduct hands-on practice. Before providing basic first aid support, information was conveyed regarding what children in the 10-14 age group can do, ensuring environmental safety, and notifying health units as a priority. Following the educational and entertaining First Aid play, students asked numerous questions about first aid. The administrators of Üsküdar SEV Primary Education Institutions, emphasizing that theater is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness among children, stated: "The first aid theater, a first in primary schools across our country, was watched with interest by our students and teachers. The participation of AKUT volunteers in the play provided great benefit to the students. We hope that the first aid theater staged for the first time in Turkey will reach students across Turkey and that young generations will understand the importance of life-saving first aid applications." The First Aid play, staged for the first time in Turkey, is designed to appeal to different age groups with minor adjustments and is also performed through puppet shows for the preschool age group. Credits: Screenwriter – Director: Emre Şen Actors: Emre Şen, Tuğba Birincioğlu, Onur Uysal AKUT Trainer: Yeşim Melek Şen