KARACHI: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) launched on Monday a 12-day training workshop on heat-related emergencies for government officials and civil society representatives.

In collaboration with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), the training sessions are being held at the PRCS institute in Clifton.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, PRCS-Sindh chapter secretary Kanwar Waseem explained the need for training on natural calamities and extreme weather conditions that now seemed to be happening more frequently than the past due to factors attributed to climate change.

“Awareness about heat-related emergencies is very important as we are experiencing these episodes almost every year,” he said, adding that first-aid knowledge and techniques could help save many lives.

He appreciated the efforts of the PDMA-Sindh in bringing together more than 85 participants from the health and revenue departments on the first day at the orientation session.

These officials were nominated by the deputy commissioners heading the district disaster management authorities.

On behalf of the PDMA-Sindh’s director general, provincial deputy director-operations Imdad Hussain Siddiqui thanked government officials for their participation.

He also expressed gratitude to the PRCS and appreciated trainers’ professionalism and expertise.

“The most important aspect of such programmes is hands-on training. I believe such sessions should also be organised for the youth,” he said, adding that a similar orientation event was being planned in interior Sindh.

Dr Rizwana Wasif, training coordinator at the PRCS-Sindh, highlighted the main features of the session, which covered all heat-related emergencies, including acute dehydration, fainting, fits, resuscitation, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and patient transportation to a healthcare unit.

“The PRCS-Sindh and PDMA plan to hold training sessions for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, traffic police, medical and paramedical staff, and representatives of welfare and civil society organisations such as Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare Association, Sindh Boy Scouts Association, Pakistan Girl Guides Association Sindh chapter,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2022