Doctors, nurses upgrade emergency procedures for SEA Games

Medical staff from various intensive care units, the University of Health Sciences and Ministry of Health have been told to improve their skills to ensure effective service during the 25th SEA Games in December.

Minister of Health, Dr Ponmek Dalaloy spoke at a training course on medical emergencies, saying that before serving at the games, medical staff should understand the meaning and importance of the event.

“We should think of the games as a battle that we have to triumph over,” he said. “This is an honour for the country and a chance for Lao people to show their strength and capacity to host the games to Asean members and international communities around the world.”

So far, the government has spent a large amount of money preparing roads and other infrastructure to support the games.

Dr Ponmek said that health was one of many sectors important in ensuring a successful event. For this reason, all medical staff should practice procedures and work plans.

“If we stick to our plan, we can achieve our goals,” he said.

Medical staff have already had some experience during the Asean Summit in Vientiane in 2004. But the number of people expected to attend the Games will be significantly more, with more than 20,000 spectators and athletes anticipated to descend on Vientiane .

However, Dr Ponmek said that organising the games also has some challenges. “This is the first time Laos has hosted the games. We will hold the games in the middle of a global economic downturn and amidst the spread of H1N1 worldwide,” he said

“However, how we can turn these challenges into opportunities.”

“Fighting H1N1 is a main priority. For this reason, we should work in solidarity to control and prevent all communicable diseases.”

During a one-day course yesterday, more than 70 doctors and nurses from intensive care unit divisions from Mahosot, Mittaphab, Setthathirath, 103 and 109 hospitals, and from the University of Health Sciences the Ministry of Health have learned how to help people in case of emergency. They have also worked on plans to cope with emergency medical situations, helping people in a plane crash, the evaluation of patients, how to move a patient and help people with internal injuries.

Dr Ponmek said that after training in theoretical skills, these doctors and nurses should receive practical training before they serve during the games.

 

 

By Xayxana Leukai
September 1, 2009

More News...