After many years working at the scene of natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, an Italian man is now sharing his knowledge of first aid across the island of Ireland.
Manuel Carta, 40, who is originally from Sardinia, moved to Belfast with his wife and daughter almost four years ago.
But back in his native Italy, Manuel was Commissioner of the Italian Red Cross and participated in six humanitarian missions.
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"I worked as a civil protection technician in natural disasters and during the landings of immigrants. This included two earthquakes, floods and immigrants from Africa arriving into Italy," he told Belfast Live.
"They were interesting missions but also very sad. I also worked between prison and therapeutic rehabilitation communities for inmates, but I had to leave the country due to the huge economic crisis gripping Italy.
"Currently I continue to manage a voluntary association called Esculapiani in Italy with which I am able to share free online courses".
Manuel recently opened a small training activity here in Belfast.
"After so many sacrifices, I managed to find the job I love, traveling all over Ireland and doing courses for companies, agencies and much more," he explained.
"I speak three languages so I try to teach the courses in English, Italian and Catalan."
He added: "We have made lots of new friends here in Belfast and people were so welcoming. The community is fantastic here and as a thank you, at least once a month, I take a free course in first aid course for a child who is choking in the local community.
"I want to share these first aid techniques as much as possible with the population as a way of giving back to the local people for giving me and my family a new life here in Belfast."
For more information on Manuel Carta Training visit here.
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