JALANDHAR
To prevent loss of lives during health emergencies and accidents, the district administration, in collaboration with the District Red Cross Society on Tuesday launched the ‘Chetna’ project. Under this initiative, around 400 students and over 30 teachers from various schools received a day-long training in lifesaving skills, conducted by expert doctors.
This is the first project of its kind in Punjab, providing such training at different schools across the district. During the launch event at the Red Cross building, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal stated that the project’s purpose is to equip students with skills to assist in saving lives before reaching a medical facility. The training focuses on actions students can take during emergencies to prevent loss of life. The project’s nodal officer, Sunil Phogat was also present.
Dr. Aggarwal emphasized that first aid plays a crucial role in saving lives, stating that effective first aid can make a difference in life-threatening situations. In the coming days, the administration will extend this training to more schools, while today’s trained teachers and students will conduct training sessions at their respective schools, he said adding the administration has set a goal to train at least 10,000 volunteers within the district.
Encouraging students to complete the training diligently and assist victims during accidents or emergencies, Dr. Aggarwal remarked, “There is no greater virtue than saving someone’s life. A little wisdom and prompt action in the initial hours of an emergency can save a precious life.” The administration announced plans to honor ‘Chetna Heroes’ who save lives through life-saving skills.
During the training, students from two private schools and 25 government schools, aged 14 and above from grades 10 and 12, were instructed by master trainer Dr. Chashma Mitra. Using dummies, students learned first aid techniques for incidents like cardiac and neurological shock, seizures, road accidents, bleeding, snake bites, dog bites, drowning, and burns. A training video was also released as part of the session.
Additionally, awareness on voter registration was also conducted during the event. Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurmeet Lal, Dr. Rakesh Chopra, Red Cross Society Secretary Indradev Singh Minhas, Principal Tajinder Singh, Ashok Sahota, and Computer Center In-Charge Rakesh Kumar were present on the occasion.