Learning to Save Lives–First Aid Takes Center Stage in Rural Armenia

In a high-stakes first aid showdown on February 29th, finalists from over a dozen rural Armenian schools showcased their emergency skills through hands-on role-play.

On February 29, a gymnasium in rural Armenia transformed into a dynamic emergency training ground. Teams from Armavir and Aragatsotn gathered for a high-energy first aid competition organized by COAF, putting their life-saving knowledge to the test in a series of role-playing games designed to simulate real emergencies.

Role-Playing to Reinforce Real Skills

The competition brought together students grades one to eleven from five finalist schools out of a total of thirteen that participated.

Students played out high-stakes scenarios—from treating fractures to managing bleeding and unconsciousness—where quick thinking and teamwork were key. Each team rotated through stations, demonstrating not just knowledge, but hands-on competence.

“We had to think fast, just like in an actual emergency.”

“The role-playing made it feel real,” said one participant. “We had to think fast, just like in an actual emergency.”

The event was part of COAF’s Health Promotion in Schools program, which aims to build more resilient communities through health education. The competition marked the second phase of a two-part program in which the first semester focused on healthy lifestyles, while the second centered on first aid training.

Why It Matters

First aid training equips students with the skills and confidence they need to respond effectively in emergencies—whether at school, at home, or in their villages. In rural communities where help is not always close-by, those first critical moments of an emergency can be the difference between life and death.

"As a doctor working with COAF, I’ve seen how first aid training gives students the confidence to act fast in emergencies—especially in rural areas where every second counts.” 

Beyond saving lives, training fosters responsibility, critical thinking, and teamwork from a young age. COAF Health Programs Manager, Dr. Lusine Sahakyan, explains, "As a doctor working with COAF, I’ve seen how first aid training gives students the confidence to act fast in emergencies—especially in rural areas where every second counts.” 

Behind the Scenes: Training the Trainers

COAF’s train-the-trainer model enables a large-scale impact that extends beyond the limited scope of competition. In 2024 alone, COAF trained 28 teachers, who have since conducted nearly 1,700 seminars for thousands of students. The ripple effect is powerful—children often take these skills home, teaching family members and strengthening their communities.

More to Come

The February 29 competition is just the beginning. Building on its success, COAF is organizing another inter-school first aid event starting this June to include 12 additional schools. Each gathering reinforces both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, nurturing a generation prepared to act when it counts most.

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