As part of the observation of National Safety Day today, Martin Luther Christian University’s Department of Tourism and Travel Management organised a workshop on ‘First Aid in Tourism’ at the university campus in collaboration with Dr H Gordon Roberts Hospital.
The workshop was attended by students and faculty of the department who attended sessions led by medical consultants and staff of the hospital’s nursing school.
Attendees were acquainted with the right methods of administering medical assistance to injuries and in emergency situations.
Demonstrations related to early management of trauma were presented by Dr Banteilang Nonglang (orthopaedic consultant), toxicology by Sr Bashida Synrem (assistant nursing superintendent), medical and surgical emergencies presented by Sr Graceful Lyngdoh (assistant professor) and basic life support by Dr Banhiam C Kharrngi (in charge of the emergency and trauma care unit).
The students also had hands-on learning on what was demonstrated during the sessions.
Gerald Samuel Duia, founder of Duia Trailblazers, an adventure tour operation group in Shillong, started the workshop with a narration of his own experience as a tour operator where he encountered certain risks, injuries and accidents in the field and stressed on the importance of being equipped with first aid knowledge and to be trained in life saving skills so as to be able to handle and save clients and themselves in an emergency situation.
The chief guest was Dr S Khonglah, Additional District Medical and Health Officer for East Khasi Hills, stressed on the importance of first aid training for students of the tourism and hospitality industry since this will help them meet health and safety requirements and place themselves in a position of preparedness.
She also highlighted the importance for first aiders to enhance compassion and express empathy in order to deliver comfort and care during medical emergencies.
