37 health workers trained to deal with river emergency in Sarawak

BINTULU, 22 September: A total of 37 health workers in Sarawak attended the River Safety and Survival Skills Training to improve knowledge and skills for emergency situations when using river channels.

The training which took place from 17 to 18 September was organized by the Family Health Development Branch, Sarawak State Department of Health (JKNS) in collaboration with the Sarawak Rivers Board (LSS).

According to the JKNS statement, river transport mode is among the main modes of transport in rural Sarawak, especially in Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.

"A total of 78 health clinics in Sarawak are dependent on river channels, making safety and survival skills amongst the health workers very important.

"Participants included Medical Officers, Assistant Medical Officers, Nurses, Health Care Assistants and General Services Assistants", the statement said.

The training provides participants with exposure to water regulations and laws, safety in water as well as basic life support or Basic Life Support.

The training is also aimed at ensuring that health personnel have the basic knowledge and skills to cope with emergency situations while performing their duties using river transport.

These measures are essential to ensure that officers using river routes, especially when performing their duties in rural areas, are better prepared for any emergencies at sea. -TVS