IRCS launches first aid training for volunteers along IB in Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Tuesday started a three-day programme to train volunteers in first aid and emergency care, an initiative aimed at providing immediate succour to the victims of cross-border shelling.

The training for the first batch of 25 volunteers from R S Pura sector started at IRCS headquarters here on Tuesday.

"The objective of this training is to enhance the capacity of the volunteers who will act as first responders in times of emergencies like cross border escalations," IRCS secretary (Jammu) Dinesh Gupta told PTI.

Under the programme, 100 people residing close to the International Border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts would be trained on basic first aid in a phased manner.

"This is in continuation of the field training imparted to 200 persons in different villages along the IB in the three districts in March this year," Gupta said.

He said it would be followed by another training programme to cover the people residing along the Line of Control (LoC) in the region.

"There is a need for creating a cadre of trained first aid volunteers who will utilise their skill and expertise in giving first aid and saving lives of the people especially during the cross border shelling (by Pakistan)," he added.