The NDRF personnel from different part of countries who are under training at Disaster Management Institute Bhopal visited Poison Information center of AIIMS Bhopal.
They also got comprehensive training session on response expected during Chemical/ Industrial/emergency including mental health management during disasters. Prof. (Dr.)Ajai Singh, Executive Director AIIMS Bhopal who always encourages such type of training sessions at AIIMS Bhopal, permitted this visit of NDRF personnel.
The training session commenced with their welcome by Dr. Niranjan Sahoo, Assistant Professor at FMT. Col. Ajit Kumar Deputy Director (A) AIIMS Bhopal, delivered welcome address to them and emphasized the importance of effective emergency management and role of AIIMS Bhopal in such scenarios.
Dr. Raghvendra K Vidua, Additional Professor at FMT, provided valuable insights into the Poison Information Centre (PIC), highlighting its significance in chemical emergency scenarios. His informative session aimed to enhance the understanding of the participants regarding the basic functioning of Poison information Center at AIIMS Bhopal and how the information on management is conveyed to the treating physicians.
He also gave detailed analysis of total 472 calls related to poisoning cases received so far on to this center from various parts of country. Dr Afsar Mirza , senior resident demonstrated on the PIC system about the procedure for retrieving information on various poisons and how the calls are attended at PIC.Prof. (Dr.) Arneet Arora, Head of FMT, delivered a detailed discourse on Chemical Emergency Response. Dr. Arora's vast expertise and knowledge in the field contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the best practices and strategies required for effectively managing chemical emergencies.
The presentation was followed by a stimulating discussion, allowing participants to exchange ideas and gain further insights. The training program also addressed the critical aspect of mental health treatment in disasters, with a session conducted by Dr. Ashish Pakhare, Assistant Professor from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS Bhopal. Dr. Pakhare shed light on the psychological challenges faced by victims and responders during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of mental health support and psychological first aid in the aftermath of disasters.
The NDRF team found their visit very fruitful and lifetime learning experience .they requested the department of forensic medicine and toxicology for taking more of such type of training sessions as they found it very useful to them.
Dr Asit Acharya, Deputy Director of Disaster Management Institute Bhopal expressed need for more of such type of training session and a collaborative approach in handling disasters and emergencies and wish to have MOU with AIIMS Bhopal in this regard.
