Novel coronavirus puts authorities on their toes in Lahore
Rescue 1122 starts inter-provincial special training
PHOTO: ALTAF HUSSAIN VIRK/EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Lahore police and the Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 along with other departments are gearing up to deal with and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid visited Qila Gujjar Singh Police Lines Hospital and announced the establishment of a high dependency unit.
Rashid also visited different sections of the hospital. DIG Operations Rai Babar Saeed, SP Headquarters Jamil Zafar and other officers accompanied her.
Rashid promised provision of an isolation ward and four ventilators among other healthcare facilities for the police.
School distributes coronavirus kits to students
Meanwhile, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed chaired a meeting with owners of local marriage halls, cinemas and theatres to take them on board on the implementation of preventive measures policy of the national as well as provincial government in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
He further said that the government has imposed section 144 until April 7, but the restrictions may be extended in case of an emergency. Zulfiqar Hameed pointed out that due to gravity of the situation even religious gatherings are being prohibited.
He categorically made clear that restaurants also cannot host wedding events.
Addressing the meeting, DIG Operations Babar Saeed said keeping in view the international situation, there was concern that the situation related to coronavirus could worsen. Additionally, the senior police authorities have instructed field officers, including SHOs and beat officers, to exercise zero tolerance against violation of the ban on gatherings imposed by the government. They vowed immediate suspension of the officer concerned if a case was reported in his jurisdiction.
Rescue 1122 starts specialised training
The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) has initiated specialised training for safe handling of coronavirus patients at the Emergency Services Academy.
Sindh reports 47 new coronavirus cases, ballooning Pakistan tally to 183
As the new recruits from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan would have to immediately deal with the pandemic, special training has been organised for the staff so that they can safely handle such suspected or infected cases. Speaking on the occasion, DG Rescue Punjab Dr Rizwan Naseer said after the five-day training the rescuers shall be deployed in their provinces.
He also briefed them about guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the management of victims of coronavirus, which includes dedicated ambulance and staff, wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring decontamination of rescue teams, vehicles and equipment after handling a suspected or infected patient.
The SOPs also include ensuring that the victim was wearing a facemask and he or she be isolated from the public. The attendants of the patients must not ride in the patient compartment of the ambulance. The rescuers were urged to use the appropriate solution for the decontamination of equipment or reusable items.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2020.
Lahore police and the Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 along with other departments are gearing up to deal with and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid visited Qila Gujjar Singh Police Lines Hospital and announced the establishment of a high dependency unit.
Rashid also visited different sections of the hospital. DIG Operations Rai Babar Saeed, SP Headquarters Jamil Zafar and other officers accompanied her.
Rashid promised provision of an isolation ward and four ventilators among other healthcare facilities for the police.
School distributes coronavirus kits to students
Meanwhile, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed chaired a meeting with owners of local marriage halls, cinemas and theatres to take them on board on the implementation of preventive measures policy of the national as well as provincial government in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
He further said that the government has imposed section 144 until April 7, but the restrictions may be extended in case of an emergency. Zulfiqar Hameed pointed out that due to gravity of the situation even religious gatherings are being prohibited.
He categorically made clear that restaurants also cannot host wedding events.
Addressing the meeting, DIG Operations Babar Saeed said keeping in view the international situation, there was concern that the situation related to coronavirus could worsen. Additionally, the senior police authorities have instructed field officers, including SHOs and beat officers, to exercise zero tolerance against violation of the ban on gatherings imposed by the government. They vowed immediate suspension of the officer concerned if a case was reported in his jurisdiction.
Rescue 1122 starts specialised training
The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) has initiated specialised training for safe handling of coronavirus patients at the Emergency Services Academy.
Sindh reports 47 new coronavirus cases, ballooning Pakistan tally to 183
As the new recruits from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan would have to immediately deal with the pandemic, special training has been organised for the staff so that they can safely handle such suspected or infected cases. Speaking on the occasion, DG Rescue Punjab Dr Rizwan Naseer said after the five-day training the rescuers shall be deployed in their provinces.
He also briefed them about guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the management of victims of coronavirus, which includes dedicated ambulance and staff, wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring decontamination of rescue teams, vehicles and equipment after handling a suspected or infected patient.
The SOPs also include ensuring that the victim was wearing a facemask and he or she be isolated from the public. The attendants of the patients must not ride in the patient compartment of the ambulance. The rescuers were urged to use the appropriate solution for the decontamination of equipment or reusable items.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2020.