Meet Luong Ngoc Ha Mi, a third-year International Relations student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages – Information Technology.Despite being completely visually impaired, Ha Mi not only demonstrates remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges but also conveys powerful messages of confidence and compassion. She is quietly spreading awareness about the importance of first aid knowledge, encouraging everyone to equip themselves with essential skills to assist others in emergencies. Ha Mi’s perseverance and dedication are truly an inspiration to us all.
At the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN), Ha Mi not only attended and performed a song for the event but also shared fascinating insights about first aid—a highly practical and essential topic in daily life.
Hello Ha Mi, as an outstanding former learner of SSVN, could you share your journey of joining SSVN to learn first aid? Your experiences and reasons will surely inspire other young people who are looking for ways to develop themselves and contribute to the community.
I learned about SSVN while searching for a first aid training program suitable for visually impaired individuals. During my search, I accidentally came across information about this program. What impressed me the most was its flexible teaching method, which replaced observational activities with tactile perception and hands-on practice. This was the main reason I decided to join the course to explore and learn.
Could you share some of your most memorable experiences, the new skills you have learned, and your feelings after completing the course? These insights not only benefited you but could also inspire others who are interested in learning about first aid.
I feel very fortunate to have participated in the course at SSVN. The instructors and teaching assistants were incredibly dedicated and patient, guiding me through each step. The teaching methods were specifically designed for visually impaired learners, such as using tactile learning and repeated hands-on practice, which made it easier for me to absorb the lessons. Beyond just acquiring skills, I also felt the warmth and encouragement from everyone, which boosted my confidence in my own abilities.
During your learning process, especially as a visually impaired person, you faced quite a few challenges. Could you share more about the difficulties you encountered?
At first, getting familiar with complex procedures, such as locating the correct position of the heart or performing chest compressions, was quite challenging for me. As a visually impaired person, I could not observe the demonstration but had to rely solely on touch and the instructor’s descriptions. However, thanks to dedicated support and continuous practice, I was able to overcome these difficulties and gradually became more confident.
Have you had the opportunity to apply any of the skills from the course in your daily life? If so, could you share some specific examples of how those skills have been helpful to you?
One of the most memorable experiences was when I applied the knowledge I had learned to guide a family member through a choking incident. Instead of panicking, I calmly helped them lean forward and encouraged them to cough forcefully to expel the object. If that did not work, I was prepared to take the next steps, such as helping them stay calm and contacting a doctor. Through this experience, I realized that as long as we master the necessary skills, even visually impaired individuals can play a crucial role in emergency situations.
Has learning first aid helped you feel more confident in assisting others? If so, in what specific ways?
After completing the course, I feel much more confident when dealing with situations that require first aid. I can guide sighted individuals to perform the correct procedures or even handle them myself if necessary. For example, I know how to check a victim’s breathing by feeling their chest or abdomen, or how to perform chest compressions accurately. This confidence comes not only from the knowledge I have gained but also from the realization that I can be a helper rather than just someone who needs assistance.
Do you have any advice for other visually impaired individuals who want to join first aid courses or similar activities?
If I had one piece of advice to share, it would be: “Do not be afraid to challenge yourself.” Many people assume that visually impaired individuals do not need to learn first aid because there will always be sighted people to help. However, in reality, knowing how to protect yourself and assist others in emergencies can give you a greater sense of independence. Do not let fear hold you back. Be bold and take part because with determination and the right support, you can achieve things you never thought possible.
What are your plans after completing this course? Do you have any plans related to the medical field or volunteer work?
After completing the course, I plan to connect with shelters, schools for people with disabilities, and community organizations to organize first aid training sessions specifically for visually impaired individuals. I hope to help the community become more confident in survival skills while also raising awareness that visually impaired people are capable of many things. Additionally, I would love to participate in volunteer projects related to first aid because I believe these skills are not only essential but can also save lives.
Thank you so much for this heartfelt conversation. I hope that your insights on first aid will be widely shared within the community, especially among vulnerable groups. Anyone can LEARN first aid to help others and protect their own health, as well as the well-being of those around them!
