Training the trainers
dubai — A road safety training workshop conducted in Dubai recently has received an overwhelming response from teachers and paramedical staff of a number of schools in the emirate. The ‘Training the Trainers’ workshop addressed more than 185 people including principals and head-masters, and medical and nursing staff from 157 private schools in Dubai.
A simulation of a traffic accident was staged in front of the Medical Library within the Rashid Hospital campus. The simulation, which showed the possible fatal outcomes of not wearing a seat-belt in in a car, was organised by Aster DM Healthcare, and supported by Emirates Driving Institute (EDI); theDubai Health Authority (DHA); the Dubai Corporation for Ambulances Services; and the Roads and Transport Authority. The simulation also underscored the common mistakes drivers and passengers make while on the road.
The workshop was conducted as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR)-driven ‘School Health and Safety Programme’ being run by Aster DM Healthcare, in association with the DHA. The programme covers students across Dubai schools and is aimed at educating them on road safety and help them become responsible citizens.
The programme saw three campaigns — STRAP (Safety Tips for Road Accident Prevention), BEAT (Be Empathetic and Act Timely), and STUB IT Quit Tobacco — taking place simultaneously.
Speaking on the sidelines of the accident simulation, Mohammed Imtiaz Mohammed, a senior instructor at EDI, said: “Road safety is an important issue and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they do their part to remain safe on the road. This extends to drivers and pedestrians.
“There are mainly five things that might endanger our lives while driving. The dangers include not wearing a seat belt, improperly wearing a seat belt, fixing headrest too high or too low, and unrestrained kids, who also could get killed. Everybody knows that it’s risky not to wear a seat belt while on the road, but improper wearing of a seat belt is equally dangerous,” he said.
According to Dr Ranjith Narayan, specialist orthopaedic surgeon at Aster Medical Centre, the most common cause of death in road accidents is head injuries. “There are different types of common head injuries — including mild concussion, serious internal bleeding, neck fractures and dislocation — happening due to accidents on roads.”
Alisha Moopen, director-strategies at Aster DM Healthcare, said: “The campaign aims to improve wellbeing of students and the community through educational and practical measures on essential health and safety issues.”