Manipal: The Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal conducted a unique hands-on workshop called the “Pre-hospital Trauma Care Education” on Sunday aimed at the “first responders” at a site of trauma. This was the first-ever workshop of its kind in Karnataka with hands-on practical sessions to enable the trainees feel confident of assisting accident victims as and when required.
Over 100 participants, including policemen, firemen, ambulance drivers, home guards, local volunteer groups such as Manipal Citizen Forum, Mogaveera Sangha and security personnel were present. The first hour after the trauma is called the “Golden Hour” and in case of severe injuries, care given during this time can determine the outcome of further treatments. The participants were taught the skills required to assess the severity of the trauma, classify the seriousness of injuries and techniques to keep the victims alive till experienced personnel arrive. Dr G K Prabhu, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology inaugurated the programme.
Dr Poornima Baliga, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal explained the concept of this workshop. Social worker Vishu Shetty, who has been helping people requiring emergency healthcare for the past many years was honoured at this function. Dr Dinesh Vyas, trauma surgeon from the USA conducted the workshop. Dr Dinesh Vyas with his mission of “Million Life Fighters” was assisted by instructors from the departments of Anaesthesiology, General Surgery and Orthopaedics, KMC, Manipal. The delegates were happy at the end of the workshop, having learnt some life-saving skills. Manipal University with the support of the government and industry looks forward to conduct such programmes periodically to train first responders and help the society.
The programme was conceived by Dr Poornima Baliga.B, Dean, KMC, Manipal and jointly organised by departments of Anesthesiology, Orthopaedics and General Surgery. The programme was coordinated by Dr Anita Shenoy, Head of the Dept., Anaesthesiology, Dr Amrut K Rao and Dr Ashwin Udupa, assistant professors from Department of Anaesthesiology, KMC, Manipal.
