Muzaffarabad:The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) AJK State Branch in collaboration with State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) AJK held an emergency response simulation exercise here on Tuesday as part of Disaster Awareness Week.
The simulation exercise was aimed at reviewing and improving the preparedness of teams to deal with emergencies. The week is being observed in commemoration of the victims of the October 8, 2005 earthquake, and to promote disaster preparedness across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The exercise focused on enhancing the capacity of emergency teams to protect civilians and community members, who are among the most vulnerable during disasters and emergencies.
The Secretary Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch Ms Gulzar Fatima, Senior Member Board of Revenue Sardar Zaffar, Director General State Disaster Management Authority AJandK Saeed Ur Rehman Qureshi, Assistant Inspector General Police Agha Mujtaba, Deputy Superintendent of Police Raja Faisal, Director Admin SDMA Raja Nauman, Director Operations Raja Moazzam also attended the simulation exercise.
Members of the PRCS Emergency Response Team (ERT), first aid responders, trained volunteers, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 staff took part in the exercise, which tested their coordination, response time, medical and rescue skills, and decision-making under pressure in a controlled environment.
“Civilians are the first to suffer in times of conflict. It is our responsibility to ensure that our response mechanisms are robust, swift and efficient,” Ms Fatima said. She further emphasised that such exercises allowed teams to practice in near-real conditions and be better equipped to handle emergencies.
Referring to climate change, Ms Fatima said AJK is badly affected by climate change, and we must take timely measures, bring positive change in individual and collective behaviours, and minimise carbon footprint.
In his concluding remarks, DG SDMA Saeed-ur-Rehman Qureshi said that today’s exercises are not only an assessment of our professional capabilities but will also help us better cope with emergencies and disasters.
Earlier, a practical demonstration was given by PRCS and SDMA, which included providing timely medical aid during emergencies, shifting patients to hospitals, CPR, and water rescue.