A First Aid Awareness Program was conducted on February 1, 2024, at the premises of Pack Art Packing and Packaging Factory. The program was organized to equip the workers with essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively to medical emergencies that may arise in the workplace. The awareness session was facilitated by Dr. Baljinder Singh, Head of Emergency Department at Thumbay University Hospital, Ms. Dr. Sija Binoy, nurse and Assistant Professor at College of Nursing, Ms. Sandhya Arun, Life Support Instructor at the Advanced Simulation in Healthcare (CASH) along with Dr. Jayadevan Sreedharan, Dr. Jayakumary Muttampallymyalil, and Dr. Anusha Sreejith, faculty from Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, and students who were trained in first aid. With their expertise and experience, they led the session, providing valuable insights and practical demonstrations throughout the program.
The session focused on imparting fundamental principles of first aid and emphasized on a structured approach to managing medical emergencies. The participants were guided through the “Check, Call, Care” protocol, which serves as a foundational framework for responding to emergencies. The participants were instructed to conduct a thorough assessment following the ABCs – Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. They were taught to check for responsiveness, assess breathing, and evaluate circulation before initiating any further action. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to demonstrating the proper technique for placing an individual in the recovery position. This maneuver ensures the maintenance of an open airway and prevents further harm to the individual until professional medical assistance arrives.
Additionally, the participants were educated in handling various medical situations including major cuts and burns. Practical demonstrations were provided on utilizing the contents of a standard first aid kit such as bandages and tourniquets to manage bleeding effectively. Furthermore, detailed procedures were outlined for the immediate care of individuals suffering from burns, emphasizing the importance of timely and appropriate intervention.
The First Aid Awareness Program at Pack Art Packing and Packaging Factory proved to be an invaluable educational experience for all participants. Through the guidance of skilled facilitators and hands-on demonstrations, the workers gained essential skills and confidence to respond effectively to medical emergencies in the workplace. The program underscored the significance of preparedness and prompt action in mitigating the impact of unforeseen incidents.
Overall, the program not only enhanced the awareness of safety and well-being of the workforce but also instilled a sense of responsibility and readiness to assist others in times of need. It is a testament to the commitment of Pack Art Packing and Packaging Factory towards fostering a safe and supportive work environment.
Out of the total 35 members who participated, about 90% were totally satisfied with the content of the course, the trainer’s performance, and the general organization of the course. Although a majority of the participants wanted more duration for the course, all of them felt prepared to provide first aid in an emergency.
As participants, they gained a newfound perspective on the importance of first aid awareness and are better equipped to handle emergencies both within the workplace and beyond. The management were grateful to Gulf Medical University and Thumbay University Hospital for conducting a comprehensive and an enlightening program.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability is an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, said Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.