Rescue 1122 enhances preparedness for Chehlum processions, monsoon-related emergencies in DIKhan

Dera Ismail Khan , Jul 31 (APP):Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan has stepped up its community engagement, emergency preparedness and public safety initiatives across the district by actively participating in a public complaint forum, conducting a comprehensive water rescue mock exercise and reviewing emergency arrangements for the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens during the monsoon season and religious gatherings.

An official said these activities were carried out under the directions of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan, Muhammad Arif Khan, as part of the department’s strategy to strengthen coordination with the district administration, improve emergency response capacity and raise public awareness regarding disaster prevention and rescue services.

The official said an Open Public Forum (Khuli Katcheri) was organized by the Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Dr. Hamid Siddique at Government Higher Secondary School Muriali, where residents from various urban and rural localities attended in large numbers to present civic issues, administrative complaints and public service-related concerns before the district administration.

During the forum, several participants lauded the role of Rescue 1122 for its prompt emergency response, lifesaving operations and professional handling of road traffic accidents, medical emergencies, fire incidents and rescue operations during floods and other natural disasters.

Addressing the gathering, the Assistant Commissioner Headquarters appreciated the dedication and sacrifices of Rescue 1122 personnel, stating that rescuers perform their duties with exceptional courage and professionalism, often risking their own lives to save others during emergencies. He said their humanitarian services had earned the trust and confidence of the public.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 organized a comprehensive mock exercise in Tehsil Prova in collaboration with the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) and the local administration to educate people about water safety and strengthen preparedness against drowning incidents, which usually increase during the monsoon season.

During the exercise, trained water rescue teams demonstrated the complete emergency response procedure, including receiving an emergency call, rapid deployment of rescuers, the use of rescue boats and lifesaving equipment, safe retrieval of a drowning victim from the water and the provision of immediate first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before shifting the victim to a medical facility.

Rescue officials also conducted an awareness session for local residents, highlighting the dangers of swimming in rivers, canals and flooded areas, particularly during periods of high water flow. Parents were urged to keep children away from water bodies, while citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary visits to dangerous locations and immediately contact the Rescue 1122 emergency helpline 1122 in case of any emergency.

In another important development, Rescue 1122 participated in a coordination meeting held at the office of the Assistant Commissioner Paharpur to review security and emergency preparedness for the forthcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).

The meeting was attended by representatives of Rescue 1122, district administration, police and other line departments. Participants discussed comprehensive contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted emergency coverage throughout the religious event.

The meeting reviewed the deployment of ambulances, rescue vehicles, medical response teams and emergency personnel along procession routes and at sensitive locations.

 It also discussed inter-departmental coordination, communication mechanisms, crowd management support and strategies for ensuring immediate medical assistance and evacuation of patients in case of any untoward incident.

In a separate development, Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan has continued deploying Temporary Water Rescue Points (TWRPs) and conducting regular patrols at key locations along the Indus River to ensure public safety during the monsoon season.

The teams have been deployed at Khaki T, Darya Khan Bridge and the main Dera Board point, where they are carrying out round-the-clock monitoring and water rescue preparedness.

The rescue personnel are also educating visitors and local residents about water safety measures, urging them to avoid risky activities in and around the river and to strictly follow safety instructions to prevent drowning incidents.

Talking to APP, District Emergency Officer Muhammad Arif Khan said Rescue 1122 had finalized all operational arrangements to provide efficient emergency coverage during Chehlum and throughout the ongoing monsoon season.

“Our rescue teams, ambulances, water rescue units and medical responders have been placed on high alert to deal with any emergency situation. We are maintaining close coordination with the district administration, police, health department and other relevant institutions to ensure a swift, coordinated and effective response,” he said.

He said Rescue 1122 remained committed to protecting lives and property through timely emergency response, public awareness campaigns, professional rescue operations and preventive safety measures.

 He urged citizens to observe safety precautions, avoid unnecessary risks near rivers and canals, cooperate with the authorities during religious gatherings and immediately call the 1122 emergency helpline in case of any emergency.