Community preparedness: Volunteers get rescue training

Rescue 1122 initiative aims to train community members for emergency response.

With the aim of developing socially responsible communities, the Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 has launched a special capacity-building programme known as the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Under CERT, volunteer rescue scouts are trained from within local communities. This includes a three-day Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE) training by internationally certified emergency service instructors.

In a statement, Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi said 19 rescue scouts were trained under CERT, registered at Central Rescue Station and Bahria Town Rescue Station, between July 27 and 29.

Contents of the training included common community hazards, securing family, preparing for response, first aid, basic life support, basic search and rescue, water emergency response, dead body management and fire emergency response. All sessions were evaluated with written tests and demonstrations of practical skills.

Course monitor and Rescue 1122 Emergency Officer Deeba Shahnaz Akhter said the participation of organised and trained communities is vital to ensure the effectiveness of Punjab’s emergency management system.

CADRE trainings have been conducted in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam, according to the statement. Rescue 1122 officials said the initiative has been launched at Central Rescue Station, Rawal Road Rawalpindi/ Pir Wadahi Rescue Station, Civil Lines Rescue Station, Bahria Town Rescue Station and Kalma Chowk Rescue Station.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.