Students from the Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety Programs of Üsküdar University’s Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) had the opportunity to receive comprehensive training over five days. Practical trainings were provided by AFAD instructors at the Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate and the Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs Building. All students who passed the evaluation exam earned the “Support AFAD Volunteer” certificate. The students had the chance to gain practical knowledge in areas such as Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, First Aid Firefighting Techniques, Earthquake Awareness, and Evacuation Training.
Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “It is essential for students to take an active role in the field”
VSHS Emergency and Disaster Management Program Head Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş emphasized that due to Türkiye’s geographical location, natural disasters and emergencies are frequently encountered. He stated: “Knowing what needs to be done before, during, and after disasters and emergencies, and preparing accordingly, is of vital importance. In particular, it is essential that graduates of relevant university departments such as Emergency and Disaster Management, Emergency Aid and Disaster Management, and Occupational Health and Safety take an active role in the field. However, disaster awareness must not be limited to individuals educated in these areas; it is also critically important for the entire society to understand and implement this knowledge. Increasing disaster awareness among the general public forms the foundation of an effective risk reduction and intervention strategy. In this context, everyone should be encouraged to participate in disaster and emergency training and to gain firsthand experience of the process. We initially launched this process through two programs. In the upcoming periods, we aim to involve other departments on a voluntary basis.”
Comprehensive training conducted over 5 days
In the first three days of the five-day training program, AFAD instructors delivered sessions at the Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs Building on topics such as Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, and First Aid.
Hands-on training provided at the AFAD Provincial Directorate
Later, hands-on training was conducted at the Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate. In this phase, students had the opportunity to gain practical experience in areas such as Firefighting Techniques, Fire Simulator Room Practices, Earthquake Awareness and Evacuation Training, Use of Debris Equipment, and Shelter and Tent Setup.
Students earned “Support AFAD Volunteer” certificates
All students who successfully passed the evaluation exam held on the final day of the program were awarded the “Support AFAD Volunteer” certificate, which is valid for three years.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)