Lao Rescue Teams Awarded 8 International Medals

Eight members of Lao rescue teams received one gold, one silver and six bronze medals from the International Disaster Medical Rally recently in Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

The rally from June 22-25 had rescue teams from 10 Asean countries competing to exercise their skills and experience in dealing with a number of mock emergency cases such as a building collapse, chemical leakage and water rescue.

Laos was represented by all three rescue teams currently serving the public in the capital, namely those from the Lao Red Cross, the Association of Voluntary Rescue of Vientiane and also the Foundation for Assisting Poor People of Lao PDR (Vientiane Rescue).

Rather than just promoting direct competition, the rally also aimed to enable rescue members from different countries to meet and share experiences and strengths of their lifesaving operations.

The event helped the Asean participants adapt techniques from foreign counterparts to improve their abilities.

For their efforts the Lao rescue teams received eight medals with the highlight being Ms Chandavieng Ammasone, from Vientiane Rescue (the Foundation for Assisting Poor People of the Lao PDR, taking home the gold medal in the Incident Command System (ICS) event.

Vientiane Rescue, present with their 4 specialized teams, won 6 of the 8 medals.

Another member of the Foundation’s team Mr Sipasued Sivongxay said it was the first time for Lao rescue teams to participate with many Asean countries in such an event and they considered it very important for upgrading and developing skills with their foreign counterparts.

The event also included training on ICS, Water rescue, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and aircraft safety. Participants further enhanced their knowledge of new trends in first aid, general safety and efficient operational methods.

Source: Vientiane Times