Ward level training on basic first aid begins at SMIMS

GANGTOK, 14 Nov [IPR]: Two-day ward level training on providing basic first aid to volunteers, quick response team and members of civil defence began here at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Science, 5th Mile, Tadong.
The programme is under a GoI - UNDP Project on climate risk management for disaster preparedness and mitigation in urban areas supported by USAID in collaboration with Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, (SSDMA) Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department and Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Government of Sikkim.
The programme focused mostly on urban areas aims to strengthen the community at ward level as first aid is the immediate treatment given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness before proper medical help arrives.
The Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University, Brig. Dr. SN Mishra in his address spoke on several reasons attributed to the various types of disasters that are happening in the world. He also said that the effective application of first aid techniques depends on the ability of the volunteers or rescuers to assess the situation.  This workshop would provide techniques and inputs for victim assessment and goals of basic first aid and also called upon the participants to gain maximum out of this workshop.
Earlier, Keshav Koirala [City Project Coordinator, GoI-UNDP Project, SSDMA] in his welcome address highlighted about the programme. He also mentioned that six activities will be carried out focusing on the urban areas in this GoI - UNDP project.
The programme included city disaster management plan, hazard risk vulnerability and analysis, ward level training on basic first aid, and search and rescue, mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in developmental plans, knowledge management etc.
The second session deliberated on head injuries related to disasters and basic first aid knowledge, its understanding and usage by the resource persons. The second day’s session will be on fitness and rehabilitation, basic disaster concepts etc.