SPECIAL TRAINER TRAINING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY SRI LANKA SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING TO INCORPORATE "FIRST AID" INTO THE NEW SYLLABUS OF UPCOMING MILITARY ENGINEERING COURSES

First aid is critically important subject in the field of military engineering, as military engineers often work in high risk environments and face challenging conditions. Injuries can be common and timely first aid can prevent complications, reduce casualties, save lives and first aid skills allow to stabilize injured personnel until professional help arrives. Overall, first aid plays a key role in minimizing risks, promoting recovery, and maintaining operational readiness in military engineering.

A crucial Three Day First Aid workshop from 09 December 2024 to 11 December 2024 was successfully conducted by the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps in collaboration with the Directorate of Army Medical Services, held at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME). 02 x 34 instructors participated in the workshop, along with 14 Other Ranks representing all regiments, who were also given the opportunity to attend this valuable training session.

The Commandant's objective in organizing this Trainer Training Workshop was to equip the existing instructors with advanced First Aid skills, specifically military engineering environment. This initiative aims to enable them to effectively incorporate the First Aid subject into the new syllabus, which will be introduced in the upcoming military engineering courses.

The workshop began with a warm welcome extended to the Medical Team by Colonel JACS Jagoda psc, the Commandant of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering. The participants were then addressed by Major LLCS Cabraal psc SLE, the Chief Instructor of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering.

The training programme educate the students on handling a range of potential accidents including those that may occur during Demolition, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) hazards, Electric Shock and Lightning Strikes, Drowning, Snake bites, Broken Bones, and Heart Failures. The Workshop was further enriched by the active involvement of Four experienced Doctors from the Army Hospital- Colombo, who provided expert guidance and instruction. By the end of the training, attendees were more capable of handling a wide range of medical situations, from administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to managing Traumatic Injuries.

At the closing remarks of the Three days First Aid Workshop, the Commandant of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the Participants and Organizers. He highlighted the importance of the skills acquired during the workshop, emphasizing how vital first aid knowledge is for both military and civilian contexts.

The Commandant also took this opportunity to hand over the tokens of appreciation to the dedicated medical team, whose expertise and dedication made the workshop a resounding success. Their invaluable contributions not only enhanced the capabilities of the attendees but also underscored the unwavering commitment of the medical staff to the well-being and preparedness of the entire Military Community.