UAE to train university students on how to save lives amid Covid

A new volunteer programme in the UAE is set to train university students on handling health crises like the Covid pandemic, as well as cardiac emergencies. Through the experience, they will be equipped with skills to support the country’s frontliners.

Launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap), in cooperation with Sharjah’s Training and Development Centre, will initially see the participation of 107 students of different disciplines from the American University of Sharjah.

“The month-long programme aims to give youngsters a better understanding of how to handle health crises and also enhance their knowledge on one of the major health concerns in the UAE, cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality in the country,” Mohap said in a statement.

“The programme aims to strengthen youth’s role in dealing with and curbing the social impact of pandemics, as well as creating an environment supportive of cardiovascular health in educational institutions.”

Dr Youssif Al Serkal, director-general of the Emirates Health Services Establishment, said that through the programme, students will learn life-saving skills, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They will also be immersed in educational experiences that will allow them to help the community confront Covid-19.

“This training is part of the national awareness programmes and initiatives to curb the spread of coronavirus, help the community better understand heart diseases and learn how to prevent them. This would help increase the survival rate of heart attacks in the country and support the objectives of the National Index of Cardiovascular Diseases,” Dr Al Serkal added.

Explaining what to expect from the training, Dr Mona Al Kuwari, director of specialised care department at the ministry, said: “It includes training sessions on the national cardiovascular index, the factors for achieving a healthy life, and the correct and rapid response in cases of heart attacks before the arrival of the ambulance team. It will soon reach out to other universities to boost students’ skills on how to handle the Covid-19 pandemic.”

saman@khaleejtimes.com