Rescue 1122 intensifies fire safety trainings at public institutions in DIKhan

Dera Ismail Khan , Sep 13 (APP):Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan has intensified its fire safety and emergency preparedness programme, organising practical training and awareness sessions for staff of Dinar Cancer Hospital and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices to enhance their capacity to respond effectively to fire emergencies and ensure the safety of patients, visitors and employees.

According to the Rescue 1122 spokesman, the activities were conducted on the directions of Director General Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Fahad and Regional Director Operations South Region Imran Khan Yousafzai, under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan Muhammad Arif Khan.

A comprehensive fire safety training and awareness session was organised for the staff of Dinar Cancer Hospital, where Rescue 1122 trainers provided practical guidance on fire prevention, emergency response, safe evacuation and the proper use of firefighting equipment.

Special emphasis was placed on the fact that hospitals require an immediate and organised response during fire emergencies due to the presence of patients, attendants and medical equipment.

During the hospital training, participants were briefed about the immediate measures to be adopted after detecting a fire, including raising the alarm, informing the relevant personnel, contacting Rescue 1122 and ensuring the safe evacuation of people from the affected area.

The trainers stressed that panic and disorder during an emergency could increase risks and, therefore, staff should remain calm and follow predetermined safety procedures.

The Rescue 1122 team also demonstrated the correct use of fire extinguishers and explained the selection of appropriate extinguishing equipment according to the nature of the fire.

Participants were given practical guidance on controlling a fire during its initial stage and were informed about the risks associated with electrical equipment, combustible materials and other potential sources of fire.

The trainers further demonstrated the use of fire balls and explained their role in controlling small fires at the initial stage. Hospital staff were advised to keep firefighting equipment easily accessible, ensure that emergency exits remained unobstructed and regularly check the operational condition of fire safety equipment.

The participants were also briefed about different categories of fire and the precautions required while dealing with electrical and other types of fires. The importance of identifying potential fire hazards in advance and taking preventive measures was highlighted to minimise the possibility of accidents and limit loss of life and property.

Rescue 1122 personnel said that special care was required in healthcare facilities during emergencies, as patients with limited mobility may require assistance for evacuation. Hospital staff were therefore advised to remain familiar with emergency exits, evacuation routes and their respective responsibilities during a fire incident.

As part of the same fire safety and awareness programme, Rescue 1122 also conducted training sessions for the staff of NADRA offices in Darazinda, Daraban Kalan and Kulachi. The sessions were aimed at improving the preparedness of NADRA employees to deal with fire incidents and ensuring the safe evacuation of staff and visitors.

During the NADRA sessions, Rescue 1122 trainers explained immediate emergency response measures, safe evacuation procedures and the correct use of fire extinguishers. The staff were also provided practical guidance on using fire balls and taking appropriate action to control a fire at its initial stage.

The participants were advised to immediately alert people present in the premises in case of fire, avoid unnecessary panic, contact Rescue 1122 and assist visitors and other employees in reaching safe locations. The trainers stressed that staff should not attempt to fight a major fire without appropriate equipment or training and should instead prioritise human safety and evacuation.

The NADRA employees were also briefed about common fire hazards in office buildings, particularly those associated with electrical equipment, wiring, combustible materials and other sources of ignition. They were advised to regularly inspect their workplaces, keep emergency passages clear and ensure that firefighting equipment remained accessible and functional.

The spokesman said the practical sessions at Dinar Cancer Hospital and NADRA offices were part of Rescue 1122’s continuing fire safety and public awareness initiative across Dera Ismail Khan. He said such programmes were intended to equip employees of public and private institutions with basic knowledge and practical skills for preventing fires and responding appropriately during emergencies.

He said timely evacuation, early detection of fire and immediate communication with emergency services could substantially reduce the risk of casualties and property damage. The spokesman urged institutions to maintain proper fire safety arrangements, conduct regular inspections and ensure that their staff remained familiar with emergency procedures.

He added that Rescue 1122 would continue organising fire safety training and awareness sessions at government offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other public and private organisations to strengthen emergency preparedness, promote preventive safety measures and protect precious human lives and property.