Srinagar, 14 Nov: The Indian Red Cross Society, J&K today on the 14th of November, 2024 organized a comprehensive First-Aid Awareness Program at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu. The event, which aimed at enhancing safety knowledge and emergency response skills among IIIM staff, scholars and researchers, received an enthusiastic response from the participants.
The program began with underscoring the importance of first-aid training in workplaces and research environments. “Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time, even in well-regulated environments like research institutes. Having the right knowledge and confidence to respond quickly can save lives, and we are committed to making this vital skill accessible to all”.
Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Medical Officer and Ms. Vironica Marwah, Field Officer from the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K conducted the session, covering essential first-aid techniques, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), managing burns, handling fractures, controlling bleeding, and providing immediate care for common workplace injuries. The hands-on session included practical demonstrations and interactive discussions, where participants had the opportunity to practice key techniques under expert supervision.
The event was organized under the guidance of Sh. Rohit Khajuria, General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K-UT and Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu. Sh. Rohit Khajuria said, “First-aid is a critical skill, particularly in environments like research labs where the risk of accidents is higher. It’s important to act swiftly and correctly during emergencies, and this training aims to empower individuals to provide immediate help before professional medical assistance arrives.”
The program also featured detailed information on the proper use of first-aid kits, which were distributed to participants to ensure they are well-equipped to handle emergencies.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, expressed gratitude to the Indian Red Cross Society for organizing the program and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness within the scientific community. “We are proud to host this training, as it not only benefits our staff but will also enable our researchers to handle unforeseen situations in the field, ensuring their well-being and safety,” Dr. Zabeer remarked.
The session concluded with a pledge from all participants to be proactive in promoting first-aid awareness in their communities and workplaces, encouraging others to acquire these life-saving skills.
The Indian Red Cross Society plans to continue offering such awareness programs across various institutions, promoting widespread knowledge and confidence in emergency medical response.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Amit Sharma, CMO & Dr. Anuj Sharma, MO, IIIM. Among others were also present Vikram Singh, Senior Controller of Administration and Heads of various divisions.
