‘POLICE TRAINING FOLLOWED SOPs’
Trainees in heatstroke incident are experienced, says IGP
APRELIMINARY report on 61 trainees suffering from heatstroke at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Bukit Sentosa, Kuala Kubu Baru on Thursday shows that the training followed its standard operating procedures.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the training was conducted to select personnel to be part of the special actions unit.
“It was a normal training, similar to the one conducted in every preliminary round. In yesterday’s (Thursday) case, the trainees were required to bask in the sun as part of a test, but some of them could not stand the heat and were taken to the hospital.
“They are not new trainees as claimed in viral messages. They have between five and 10 years of experience,” he said here yesterday.
Present were Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Seri Tajudin Md Isa and city police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim.
Fuzi said the test was not to torture them, but was part of the simulation training that trainees seeking a place in the elite police team, had to undergo.
“We have improved the test from time to time. But, the challenges that they need to undergo will not be easy as they are an elite group.”
On Thursday, 61 trainees were taken to the hospital after suffering from heatstroke.
Sixteen of them were reportedly in critical condition.
Following the unpredictable hot and dry weather, people have been advised to be aware of the early signs of heatstroke.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said early symptoms included body temperature exceeding 40.5°C.
He said a high temperature could lead to nervous system complications and even death.
“Other symptoms include throbbing headache, nausea, minimal sweating despite the hot weather and increased pulse rate.”
He said those suffering from heatstroke could also suffer from muscle cramps, vomiting, dry skin, seizure and fainting.