DPPC and MJIIT Complete Certified Training in Emergency Healthcare

Nur Aqila Alias

The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Center (DPPC) at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Certified Professional Training (CPT) in Healthcare in Emergencies & Rehabilitation. This training was held in conjunction with the Master of Disaster Risk Management (MDRM) postgraduate program. The intensive program took place from 6th May to 17th May, supported by the Emergency and Trauma Department of Hospital Selayang and various subject matter experts.

Practical session on Emergency Medical Response for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Incidents by Dr. Hazlina Mohamad Noh at Hospital Selayang.

Participants in the CPT and MDRM students came from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, emergency response, and disaster risk management. They engaged in a series of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions designed to enhance their capabilities in managing healthcare systems during and after disasters.

The training began with a webinar on Emergency Response for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Incidents, presented by Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Alwi Hj. Abdul Rahman, an Emergency Physician and Adjunct Professor at MAHSA University. This was followed by modules led by Dr. Hazlina Mohamad Noh, Head of the Disaster Medicine Unit at Hospital Selayang, who provided valuable insights and training on Emergency Medical Response for CBRNE Incidents.

Participants engaged in scenario-based exercises simulating CBRNE incidents, allowing them to apply their learning in an emergency response context. These exercises focused on learning stations set up by the Selayang Emergency Department Team, which included Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Airway Circulation, Triage, Case Scenario Simulation, and Patient Transport. Additionally, participants witnessed an exclusive demonstration of decontamination procedures for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients at Hospital Selayang.

The training continued with a module on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Response, conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aznah Nor Anuar, Deputy Director of DPPC. Topics covered included the Responsibility of Disaster Risk Managers, WASH Life Support Kits, Innovation Technology, and Water Quality Assessment. Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of water quality and microbial assessments. Practical sessions included water sampling at the Resilience Living Lab in Hulu Langat, Selangor, and Masjid Al-Muttaqin in Kuala Lumpur, with analyses conducted at DPPC’s Microbiological Water Laboratory, assisted by Mrs. Nurain, Mr. Islah, and Ms. Kamalia.

Additional modules included Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, led by Dr. Hariyati Shahrima Abdul Majid, a Consultant Psychologist from Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) College, and the Management of Dead Bodies After Disasters, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Uzairiah Mohd Tobi, a Research Fellow at DPPC.

Mr. Low Hann Sen, a Civil Defence Volunteer Member from the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), remarked, “The content of the CBRNE course was excellent, particularly the lifesaving interventions such as hemorrhage control, airway management, chest decompression, and antidote administration.”

Building on the success of this training, DPPC plans to offer advanced modules and continuous professional development opportunities to further enhance the skills and knowledge of disaster risk management professionals.