WHO Academy Launches Training for AIIMS Doctors on Mass Casualty Incident Preparedness

Updated: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 0:15 [IST]

The WHO Academy has initiated a training programme at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. This programme is designed for doctors, nurses, and other professionals to enhance their response to mass casualty incidents in emergency units. The WHO Academy has crafted a course specifically for Mass Casualty Preparedness and Response in Emergency Units, known as the WHO MCM Course.

WHO Trains AIIMS Staff on Emergency Response — Representative image

The inaugural session of this course is scheduled from October 1 to 5. Besides AIIMS New Delhi, teams from AIIMS-Jodhpur, AIIMS-Patna, and AIIMS-Jammu are also participating in these training sessions. Dr Kamran Farooque, head of the JPNTC Trauma Centre, emphasised the importance of a strong mass casualty management plan.

Mass Casualty Management Plan

A robust plan ensures healthcare facilities, especially emergency units, are ready to respond effectively during mass casualty incidents (MCIs). Effective preparedness reduces disruptions in essential health services and ensures efficient resource use while maintaining safety for patients and staff.

Training healthcare professionals in MCM practices is crucial. It equips doctors, nurses, and support staff with the skills needed to manage sudden patient surges due to natural disasters or conflicts. Dr Farooque highlighted that the primary goal is to equip EMTs with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Training Across India

The aim is to enable emergency medical teams—comprising doctors, nurses, logistics support staff, management, and technicians—to respond effectively to mass casualty incidents. This training aims to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in emergency units. Those trained will further impart this knowledge in hospitals and medical institutes nationwide.

This initiative by the WHO Academy marks a significant step towards enhancing emergency response capabilities across India. By equipping healthcare professionals with essential skills, the programme seeks to improve overall healthcare system resilience during emergencies.