Volunteers attend Community First Responder training

DC Dimapur, K Kevin Zehol, along with officials of CD & HG and District Disaster Management Authority and participants at the valedictory function of the first phase CFR training for Dimapur Sadar on August 3. (Morung Photo)

Morung express News
Dimapur | August 3

The first phase of Community First Responder (CFR) training for Dimapur Sadar concluded on August 3 with 52 youth volunteers drawn from three Wards and three villages including Ward 3, Ward 10 and Thahekhu, Kuda and Senjum villages, successfully completing the CFR crash course.

The training was organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, in collaboration with State Disaster Response Force, Dimapur, and supported by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, which comes under the Home Department.

Addressing the valedictory function of the first phase CFR training for Dimapur Sadar at Circuit House, deputy commissioner, Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, who is also chairman of DDMA, Dimapur, said the keen participation of the volunteers speaks volumes of their concern for their community and society as a whole.

“To almost everything, there is some signs or warning beforehand but disaster, whether natural or manmade, comes without any warning”, the DC said. Zehol said disasters like fire incidents or drowning comes without any warning and therefore all citizens should be trained on the basics of how to handle such emergencies.

He said North East Region including Nagaland being in high seismic zone in addition to being prone to other natural calamities like flood and landslides, the need to train common citizens on disaster management becomes more imperative and urgent. Lauding the youth volunteers for successful completion of the training, the DC also assured to look into and address the feedbacks given by the participants. 

District commandant, CD & HG, Akhu Kath, aid disasters are of two types – natural and manmade –and that both results in loss of life, property and injuries. Congratulating the volunteers for successful completion of CFR training, he urged them to spread and teach what they have learned to others in their community and locality when they go back home. 

State emergency response officer (SERO) and DDMO Dimapur, Rendemo Shitio, in his introductory note said the community is always the first responder in any disaster as they have the inherent capacity to respond immediately.

“However, past experience has shown that after every disaster, response comes from well-intentioned but untrained personnel who have little or no regard for personal safety. This at times escalates the after effects of disaster and further endangers the victims”, he said.

The DDMO said the realization that response would be faster and more effective if responder is trained has brought about the need to intensify the CFR training.

DPA Dimapur, B Patrick Golmei, in his brief report on the CFR training said the topics covered during the three-day training included concept of CFR, basic life support, medical first responder, body assessment, emergency methods of rescue, search marking system and dos and don’ts during an earthquake and fire incident.