The World First Aid Day 2014 was observed here on Thursday in Punjab to highlight the importance of first aid training and saving lives. The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) marked the day by providing emergency cover and first aid to the thousands of affectees of flood-hit districts in all districts of Punjab.
Trained members of community emergency response teams and volunteers also trained by Rescue 1122 are integral part of on-going flood search and rescue operation in all districts of Punjab. The Director General, Punjab Emergency Service said the basic purpose of First Aid Day is to educate the community about first aid training and skills. He added that thousands of public schools and colleges have received training of emergency evacuation all over the Punjab. Likewise, more than thousands of community members from all districts have been trained in life saving measures by Rescue 1122 whereas 56,000 volunteers are attached with the Service.
Dr Rizwan Naseer further said that only well trained community members can significantly contribute in establishing safer communities in Pakistan and we should play our due role and emerge as a safe, determined, practical and progressive nation of the world. In order to attain our goal, the community members are being given basic life support skills training so that we can ensure maximum safety prior to untoward incidents.
He said that fire service of Rescue 1122 has saved losses worth over Rs 170 by responding to over 58, 000 fire incidents across the province through timely and professional fire fighting this year. He asked them to ensure implementation of fire safety codes and do not risk their lives and investment to save small amount of money. He further appealed to the business community and high rise building owners to ensure implementation of fire safety codes, adding that even if we establish the best fire service in the world it cannot be effective without implementation of fire safety codes.