Doctors from the Pakistani Level II hospital in Harper organized a Basic Life Support (BLS) course early in the month of June for paramedics in Maryland County.

According to PakMed CIMIC Officer Maj. Usman Iqbal, the training at the JJ Dossen Hospital was attended by 15 paramedics and two drivers. It was organized in conjunction with Merlin, an international NGO, and the County Health Team (CHT).

Maj Iqbal said participants were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), handling of injured victims, as well as first aid management of common medical and surgical emergencies. Training focused on improving practical skills.

The course content was designed by the training department of PakMed Level II hospital in consultation with other specialists and representatives of Merlin International.

The training involved use of visual aid, including video demonstrations and dummies. Participants were acquainted with the use of emergency equipment such as the defibrillator, the ambu bag (a self re-inflating bag used during resuscitation) and airways. They were taught safe handling of poly trauma cases, rehearsed the retrieval of injured victims from the site of injury, with emphasis on precautions to be taken while transporting such cases to the hospital.

The training also included management of shock, head injury and fractures. Practical demonstrations were provided on application of POP (plaster of Paris) and the use of various types of splints.

Facilitators included Maj. Amir (anesthetist), Maj. Raheel (surgeon), Maj. Usman (physician), and Maj. Jamil (surgeon).

At the certificate award ceremony, UNMIL Sector B Commander, Brig.-Gen. Sher Afgun lauded the capacity building efforts of Merlin International, the County Health Team and Pak Med Level II hospital, describing their support as “a great service to humanity”.

The participants, too, deeply appreciated the initiative. “I am particularly grateful to UNMIL peace keepers for going beyond your peace keeping duty to teach us this basic life support skill,” said Harris J. Sumo, Jr., a registered nurse from Harper.