Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 16: The Diocesan Health Commission of Mangalore diocese, together with Father Muller Simulation and Skill Centre (FMSSC), a unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), organized a comprehensive CPR and first aid training programme culminated with the release of a specialized handbook in Konkani language on first aid on January 14 at the Decennial Memorial Hall .
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo (director FMCI) as a patron of the programme highlighted upon the benefits of first aid handbook written in Konkani compiled by Dr Rithesh Joseph D’Cunha for the Diocesan Health Commission along with Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (secretary, Diocesan Health Commission & administrator FMMCH) commemorating a decade of health care simulation in FMCI. He put forth the 3 important feature in health care i.e. Promotive, Preventive and Curative, giving the gathered a push to help others seek promotive and preventive health care rather than be burdened with the curative aspect of healthcare.
Chief guest, Dr Jacintha D’Souza, district vector borne disease control officer, Dakshina Kannada district, remarked, “Effective first-aid and CPR training are essential for reducing mortality in emergencies.” She commended the Diocesan Health Commission for organizing such an impactful programme.
The CPR book release and the valedictory of the CPR training was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese and president of FMCI, who said, “This training empowers our community with life-saving skills and strengthens our healthcare mission. The handbook will serve as a vital guide for emergency response in the diocese.”
The one-day eventful programme featured expert sessions on adult and infant CPR, fracture management, choking, haemorrhage control, and other emergency procedures including snake bites, fits, fire, drowning, diabetes, infections, and stroke all experts in simulation and skill training.
Session and speakers were as follows: Introduction to First Aid & Scene Safety Dr Reena Frank (principal FMNCT); Heart attack - Dr Shannon Fernandes (associate professor OBGYN), Adult CPR - Dr Rithesh Joseph D Cunha (professor & head FMSSC); Infant CPR by Dr Sandra Saldanha (professor child health nursing); Fracture - Dr Vivian D Almeida (professor & unit head orthopaedics); Log roll - Precilla DSilva (professor OBG nursing) ; Trauma & Hemorrhage control - Priya Pereira (associate professor community health nursing); Chocking - Dr Savitha Lasrado (professor ENT); Snake bite by Dr Sonia Karen Sequeira (professor community health nursing); Fits & Convulsion - Sr Nancy Priya Mathias (chief nursing officer/ professor medical surgical); Fire - Dr Josmitha D’Souza (Lec Child Health Nursing); Drowning - Melissa (assistant professor speech language pathology); Diabetes & Infections - Wilma Shalini Noronha (professor child health nursing); Stroke - Dr Veena Pinto (professor general medicine). Hands-on workshops on CPR, choking, and haemorrhage control were conducted, followed by an inauguration ceremony all FMSSC under the guidance of Dr Reena Frank, course coordinator and Dr Rithesh Joseph D’Cunha.
The successful completion of the programme aims to enhance community first-aid skills and emergency response capabilities in the Mangalore diocese. As many as 161 delegates from 12 deaneries of diocese of Mangalore attended this training. These will in turn become trainers who will impart the knowledge gained to the respective vicariates.
Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (secretary, Diocesan Health Commission) and administrator Father Muller Medical College Hospital welcomed the gathering. Sr Nancy Mathais, chief nursing officer introduced the chief guest.
Cynthia, a delegate from Sullia taluk gave her feedback of the programme which was positive. She opined that it was the best learning experience in her life and learnt even more lifesaving skills than her 30 year tenure in the healthcare arena. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Rithesh D’Cunha, head of health care simulation education (FMSSC). Programme was compered by Preetha and Dr Josmitha.