Thoothukudi Collector stresses importance of first aid awareness among public
The event was held on Thursday at the Thoothukudi Government Medical College and Hospital (TKGMCH). The session was aimed at educating police personnel, fire and and rescue service officials, teachers, school students and volunteers on providing first aid to individuals affected by unexpected accidents or medical emergencies in public places.
Speaking at the event Mr. Elambahavath said, 'In most of the emergency incidents, people immediately reach out for ambulance services. However, very few people's first instinct would be providing first aid during that crucial time.' He added that the training session has been organised to raise awareness about handling those situations, including the correct way to administer first aid and safely assisting the persons in cases like bone fracture.
The Collector mentioned that such an awareness programme could be life saving during emergencies. He explained that police officers, fire and rescue service personnel, teachers and students, are often the first responders in schools, roads and other public places, and therefore should be equipped with basic first aid knowledge.
'Though police and fire and rescue service personnel may already have some training in first aid, this programme is updated to align with current advancements in medical care. Similarly this training should also be given to volunteers and frontline workers, who play a crucial role during disasters,' he added.
The training session was conducted with a practical demonstration by a medical team led by Nirmal Kumar, Head of Emergency Medical Department at the hospital. The training will now be conducted on the fourth Thursday of every month at the hospital.
G. Sivakumar, Dean of TKGMCH, Silas Jeyamani, Resident Medical Officer of TKGMCH and other medical staff were present.
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