Dignitaries and others during disaster preparedness programme at DBCK on September 17.
Kohima, September 18 (MExN): The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Don Bosco College, Kohima (DBCK) in collaboration with the 12th Battalion, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh conducted a Disaster Preparedness Programme on September 17 under the NDRF’s Capacity Building Programme.
About 136 volunteers of the DBCK NSS Unit participated in the lecture-cum-demonstration held in the college premises.
The session was steered by Vikhodi Rhetso, Commander, NDRF Thizama, 12 Bn NDRF, accompanied by his expert demonstration team imparted demonstration on disaster awareness and training on medical first aid.
Commander Rhetso highlighted Nagaland’s vulnerable position in seismic zone 5, where potential earthquakes can reach high magnitudes. He emphasised that while natural disasters cannot be predicted, loss of life can be significantly minimized through awareness and readiness. He outlined key safety protocols, including evacuation drills, emergency kits, and classroom survival tactics such as taking cover under sturdy furniture and protecting the head and neck.
He highlighted the role of NDRF as an elite force trained to handle disasters with their main goal being “Conduct, Search, Rescue and Assist.” Along with his team, Rhetso demonstrated the different practices one must be aware of when tackling disaster related challenges such as the proper way to lift and move injured patients, control bleeding resulting from injuries, the correct way to perform the “Heimlich Maneuver” and the various ways of making an improvised stretcher and standardized casualty evacuation procedures, including the piggyback, two-person, and three-person carry techniques.
The session also introduced students to specialized rescue equipment, demonstrating the proper usage and handling of vital tools required during search, rescue, and extraction operations.
The integrated presentation further addressed on critical emergency medical interventions. As Commander Rhetso outlined response protocols, the NDRF team provided practical demonstrations of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO) management, proper dressing, and bandaging techniques.
Furthermore, the personnel exhibited essential hemorrhage control methods, demonstrating direct pressure, elevation, and pressure point application.
Commander Rhetso emphasized the importance of being equipped to handle disasters such as earthquakes, which is particularly relevant for earthquake-prone regions like the Northeast. He further highlighted the critical role of CPR in preventing loss of lives. The demonstrations were made more engaging through the active participation of the volunteers.
The interactive session provided students with vital, practical insights into disaster mitigation and emergency response.
The programme was chaired by Nutsulo Swuro, DBCK NSS PO while vote of thanks was delivered by Sharon Khing DBCK NSS PO.
