Communities are often the first to respond when disasters strikes Nagaland, long before official rescue teams arrive. With that reality in focus, the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), organised a two-day training program on Community First Response (CFR) on May 27 and 28 at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung.
The training program focused on equipping participants with basic emergency response and life-saving skills that could prove crucial during accidents, medical emergencies and disasters, particularly in remote areas where access to emergency services may be delayed.
Speaking at the program, General Secretary of IRCS Nagaland State Branch, Akhale V Khamo, said that the Red Cross is “not just a casual organisation” but one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations. She also encouraged young people to register with the youth wing of the organisation and take part in humanitarian initiatives.
Neithozo, NCS, EAC (HQ), lauded the initiative and noted that such training programmes are significant for Nagaland, where many villages remain remote and emergency services are limited. He observed that landslides, road blockages and difficult terrain often delay rescue operations, making community response the real first line of disaster management in many situations.
Talking to MT, IRCS Nagaland State Branch First Aid Master Trainer, Kholie Dolf, said participants would receive training in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), choking response, fracture management, wound and bleeding care, heart attack and cardiac arrest response, dressing and bandaging, recovery position techniques and transporting casualties.
IRCS Mokokchung Honorary Secretary Dr SS Akaba delivered the welcome address, while Management Committee member Allen Mark Longkumer proposed the vote of thanks.
