A specialised virtual workshop aimed at strengthening the preparedness of personnel and volunteers, and further enhancing their ability to respond to various emergency situations, was recently conducted by the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS).
The workshop – titled ‘Field Assessment for Effective Emergency Response’ – was delivered by the society’s Disaster Management Team head Fathiya Al Tublani and attended by several members and volunteers.
Ms Al Tublani stressed that accuracy in assessment must take precedence over the speed of response, as it plays a crucial role in reducing risks.
A traffic accident scenario was presented to illustrate the difference between spontaneous intervention and organised assessment.
The exercise aimed at enhancing participants’ field assessment skills and strengthening their ability to make swift, informed decisions based on precise information gathered directly from the scene – particularly during the initial stages, which are critical in managing emergency situations.
The workshop explored the concept of field assessment, its different types, and its importance in determining intervention priorities and identifying the needs of those affected.
Mechanisms to collect and analyse information from the site of an incident were also reviewed.
Additionally, it underscored the role of the first responder in supporting operations rooms with the information required to direct ambulance and Civil Defence teams effectively.
The discussion also addressed the national emergency system and the importance of co-ordination among relevant entities.
Meanwhile, Board of Directors member Dr Maryam Al Hajri highlighted the importance of raising public awareness and training volunteers to ensure they operate within the appropriate limits of field intervention.
Practical examples were used to demonstrate how the appropriate units should be mobilised based on the nature of each incident, while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
The session also highlighted the vital role of the community and volunteers as a first line of support – covering responsibilities such as crowd management, humanitarian assistance and psychological first aid.
It also stressed the risks posed by overcrowding at incident sites, as well as the importance of structured training and proper volunteer registration to ensure an effective response.
More than 60,000 volunteers have registered through Bahrain’s National Volunteer Platform as part of efforts to support national initiatives, including field support for shelters and community assistance.
The massive mobilisation supports the ‘Bahrain Is Well’ campaign, focusing on humanitarian aid and logistical support.
The GDN recently reported that BRCS health awareness committee head Muyssar Awadhalla conducted a Psychological First Aid (PFA) workshop to train volunteers and health workers on effective strategies for delivering PFA techniques.
Unlike traditional psychology-based interventions, PFA is immediate humane support, focused on stabilisation and coping.
It focuses on showing genuine care, observing a person’s reactions, actively listening, and offering practical assistance.
This differs from psychological intervention, administered by specialised professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists, to treat a mental condition and help patients heal over a longer period of time.
PFA can be delivered by trained community members like teachers, volunteers, social workers, while psychological interventions must be delivered by licensed mental health professionals.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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