The Private Schools Association J&K, in collaboration with Civil Defence Budgam Thursday organised a day-long session on Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Programme at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, Budgam.
The programme witnessed the participation of school representatives, drivers, support staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders with the aim of promoting life-saving skills and emergency preparedness.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, emphasized that BLS training was s an essential life skill that empowers ordinary citizens to respond effectively during medical emergencies.
He appreciated the initiative of the PSAJK and Civil Defence Budgam for creating awareness about CPR and emergency response, stating that timely intervention can save countless lives. He urged educational institutions to ensure that such training programmes are conducted regularly.
Earlier, President PSAJK Baba Nazrul Islam delivered the welcome address and highlighted the commitment of PSAJK to promoting safety, health awareness, and disaster preparedness in educational institutions.
He expressed gratitude to Civil Defence Budgam and all collaborating organizations for their support in making the programme successful.
Addressing the gathering, Amara Naseem, Deputy Controller Civil Defence Budgam, stressed the importance of public awareness regarding Basic Life Support, CPR, choking management, and first aid.
She said that Civil Defence remains committed to building a trained and resilient community capable of responding to emergencies before professional medical assistance arrives. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Budgam, Bashir Ahmad, appreciated the initiative and said that teachers, school staff, drivers, and helpers are often the first responders in school emergencies.
He encouraged all educational institutions to actively participate in such training programmes to ensure a safer learning environment for students. State Coordinator,Tariq Hussain Bali, said that awareness and preparedness are the foundation of disaster risk reduction.
He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among educational institutions, government departments, and civil society organizations to strengthen community resilience through continuous capacity-building programmes.
Rahi Riyaz Ahmed Divisional Warden Civil Defence Srinagar and TOT Kashmir, delivered an informative session on BLS and emphasised that every individual should be equipped with the knowledge of CPR, choking management, and emergency response techniques.
He said that immediate and correct action during the first few minutes of an emergency can significantly increase the chances of survival.
He encouraged participants to practice these life-saving skills regularly and share the knowledge within their communities.
In his vote of thanks, Shahnawaz Ahmad District President PSAJK Budgam expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Civil Defence Budgam, CEO Budgam, trainers, organizers, and all participants for their wholehearted support and cooperation.
He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to organizing more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future.
The programme concluded with practical demonstrations of CPR and other BLS techniques by Civil Defence trainers, followed by an interactive session where participants actively engaged with the resource persons. The event received an enthusiastic response and reinforced the importance of equipping communities with essential life-saving skills.
