Mangaluru: A large-scale disaster management training programme was conducted at A.J. Medical Science and Research Centre on Tuesday in collaboration with the Dakshina Kannada District Disaster Management Authority and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Training Highlights Importance of Preparedness

The programme wa inaugurated by Additional District Magistrate Raju K, who emphasised the shared responsibility of institutions and individuals in disaster management. “Every citizen can be a first responder if they have the right knowledge and skills,” trainers highlighted during the sessions.

They further stressed that disaster preparedness plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities during natural calamities, industrial accidents and chemical emergencies.

Live Demonstrations and Practical Sessions

The day-long training included live demonstrations and practical exercises covering:

  • Visual safety and personal protection during emergencies

  • Victim protection and transportation techniques in mass-casualty incidents

  • Major incident and disaster response protocols

  • Medical response to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) hazards

    • Students witnessed real-time use of specialised protective gear and rescue equipment, giving them hands-on exposure to life-saving techniques.

    Key Dignitaries and Participants

    Prominent officials present at the event included:

    • Dr. Ashok Hegde, Dean of A.J. Medical Science and Research Centre

  • Dr. Sushith, Associate Dean

  • Dr. Sachidananda, Medical Superintendent

  • Dr. Sanjeev Badiger, HOD

  • Dr. Maria N and Dr. Pradeep Senapati, Organising Secretary

    • The programme also saw participation from District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah, District Disaster Management Authority officer Vijayakumar, and the NDRF 10th Battalion team led by Inspector Shanthi Lal Jatiya.

    Over 800 Participants Trained

    The session drew more than 800 participants, including students and staff from medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy and allied health science streams. Faculty members actively engaged in the training, highlighting its relevance in enhancing community-level response capacity.

    Strengthening Disaster Preparedness in Healthcare

    Officials noted that such training programmes are crucial in ensuring that medical professionals are well-prepared to handle emergencies efficiently. With increasing incidents of natural disasters and industrial accidents, institutions like A.J. Medical Centre aim to build a skilled first-responder workforce.