Indian Red Cross Society volunteers get BLS training from Narayana Superspeciality Hospital ahead of Ganga Sagar Mela

Yesteryears’ data shows that many drowning incidents have happened during the holy dip. Also due to long and strenuous walks during the mela, many devotees end-up with foot injuries, breathlessness and in some extreme cases cardiac arrest as well.

The BLS training provided by NSH addresses all these issues and trains the volunteers to handle such cases efficiently. Also injuries from stampede, if any can be treated with emergency medical aid.

R Venkatesh Zonal Director (East), Narayana Health said “NSH and IRCS have come to an understanding where we will be providing continuous training and basic emergency management skill development for IRCS volunteer. In the first phase BLS training will be provided to 150 volunteers in batches, aimed at contributing their services at the upcoming Ganga Sagar mela."

These trained volunteers will be posted at 11 critical spots with first aid center across the Sagar Island.  Venkatesh cautioned the people to take all precautionary and safety measures to avoid any untoward incidents during the mela.

The Gangasagar Mela, which is held annually on Sagar Island’s southern tip, is the second largest congregation of mankind after the triennial ritual bathing of Kumbha Mela.

Being one of the most popular pilgrimage fair, this year the mela is expected to see about 4,00,000 devotees. Every year IRCS provides its volunteers for manning different posts during the Ganga Sagar Mela. The work is done in close coordination with Police and the mela administration ensuring smooth functioning of the event.

Dr Ramyajit Lahiri, HOD Emergency Medicine Dept., and his team have taken upon themselves to ensure proper training and follow-up of all volunteers. Shyamal Baran Mukherjee (Secretary, Red Cross, South 24 Pgs) has been instrumental in running this training program.