430 rescuers graduate from training academy

Demonstrate their skills in emergency management mock exercises

LAHORE: “Rescue workers are among our finest citizens. Over the years, I have witnessed demonstration of unparalleled bravery and professionalism by Rescue 1122 officials. I hope that they continue show heroism and dedication,” said Muhammad Nizamuddin, chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission on Thursday. He was addressing the 22nd passing out ceremony of trainee rescuers from the Emergency Services Academy as the chief guest.

NAVTTC Director General Adeela Bukhari, TV host Sohail Warraich and Home Department Deputy Secretary Shahbaz were the other guests of honour.

Punjab Emergency Service Director General Arshad Zia, Emergency Services Academy Director General Amir Hamza and a large number of rescuers and their families were also present.

Nizamuddin congratulated the 430 graduating rescuers and Arshad Zia for successfully completing their training.

“Rescuers are brave sons of the soil who put their lives at risk to protect lives and properties of others. Trained rescue personnel have proven their mettle during accidents, floods and other disasters,” he said.

NACTTC DG Adeela Bukhari said the Emergency Services Academy was providing training at par with international standards.

Bhukhari said the management of the training institute should be praised for providing free training to rescue workers from other provinces.

Warraich said that he was happy to hear that the chief minister had approved a project for the establishment of modern urban search and rescue teams.

He said 17,000 trained professionals from this training institute spoke of its capability.

Hamza congratulated the graduates on completion of their training and thanked the chief minister for his support to the institute.

“It is a matter of great pride for the institution that the SAARC countries have formally requested to Pakistan to provide disaster management training to their emergency departments.

By the end of this year, the Punjab Emergency Service shall host a comprehensive training programme at the Emergency Services Academy,” he said.

Earlier, the graduating cadets demonstrated their skills in emergency management mock exercises in deep-well rescue, water rescue, fire fighting, urban search and rescue, rescue from confined spaces during fires, rescue from heights and medical emergency management.

The cadets were provided specialised medical, rescue, fire fighting and height rescue training in first phase. Later training courses were arranged for them in communication, medical first responder, collapsed structure search and rescue, incident command system and community safety training.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2016.