Volunteers trained to aid rescue ops

A three-day training and awareness workshop for preparing volunteers to effectively handle natural disasters has concluded on the SDM Office premises at Gohar in Mandi district.

The workshop, which was held from April 21 to 23, was conducted under the chairmanship of Gohar SDM Laxman Kanet.

Addressing the volunteers, the SDM emphasised the importance of community preparedness and the critical role that volunteers play during natural disasters.

He stated that the primary objective of the workshop was to provide comprehensive training to volunteers so they could assist in rescue operations and administer first aid during emergencies, while observing necessary safety protocols.

Fire Officer Purushottam Ram led a session on fire safety. He discussed major causes of fire accidents, including household short circuits, kitchen mishaps, malfunctioning heating equipment, smoking materials, gas cylinder leaks, and forest fires. He urged the participants to immediately report fire emergencies to the Fire Department on 101.

During the session, the volunteers were also introduced to various rescue tools used in emergency response operations. Demonstrations were given on how to handle gas leaks from cooking cylinders and how to operate fire extinguishers effectively.

On the second day of the workshop, experts from the Health Department and Home Guards briefed the volunteers on their roles and responsibilities during disasters, particularly in providing medical assistance and maintaining public safety.

The workshop served as a critical initiative to strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level and equip volunteers with practical knowledge and tools to respond efficiently in times of crisis.