Empowering Volunteers Through First Aid Training 

In the middle of Arba’een, Ali found himself supporting a visitor who had collapsed. 

In July 2025, The Zahra Trust, through its Diwaniyah branch, organised a specialised first aid workshop in collaboration with Al-Qadisiyah University’s College of Pharmacy. The training aimed to equip young healthcare students with practical skills to provide immediate assistance to pilgrims during the Arba’een pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (AS). 

Ali, a nursing graduate, joined the workshop because he lacked the practical knowledge and confidence to intervene in emergencies. He wanted to be able to respond correctly when someone needed urgent help. 

The training covered essential skills including administering injections, inserting cannulas, drawing blood, suturing wounds, managing vital signs, and giving medications intravenously. 

During Arba’een, Ali applied what he learned when a visitor collapsed due to low blood pressure after skipping breakfast. He elevated the visitor’s legs, administered a saline solution, provided a compensatory meal, and ensured proper hydration. The visitor recovered fully and continued the pilgrimage safely. 

“On behalf of myself and my fellow trainees, I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Zahra Foundation for their dedication, patience, and for equipping us with valuable knowledge. We are now ready to serve our community during humanitarian events,” Ali shared. 

This workshop shows how skills training can strengthen community readiness during large humanitarian gatherings, helping volunteers provide timely support to pilgrims when it is needed most.