Üsküdar Academics Receive 'Support AFAD Volunteer' Training

“Support AFAD Volunteer” training was organized for academics by Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Emergency and Disaster Management Program, in cooperation with AFAD and Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs. Academics, who gained knowledge and skills in areas such as disaster awareness, search and rescue, firefighting, and tent setup during the five-day theoretical and practical trainings, successfully completed the evaluation exam and qualified for a certificate.

The first three days of the training organized for the academics of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) were held at Çarşı Campus, and the remaining two days were held at the Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate.

Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “All segments of society must be conscious and prepared”

Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Emergency and Disaster Management Program, drew attention to the unpredictability of when, where, and how disasters will occur, emphasizing that all segments of society must be conscious and prepared.

Demirtaş stated that a correct and effective response, especially after an emergency, is of great importance for the healthy management of the process. 

Demirtaş also stated that correct interventions by trained individuals during crises would reduce the workload of professionals working in the field and make intervention processes more effective.

Volunteer Activities Are Gradually Being Expanded

Reminding that disasters can be encountered at any moment, Demirtaş said that increasing disaster awareness throughout society means raising the level of consciousness. He stated that the volunteering process, which was previously started with students from the “Emergency and Disaster Management” and “Occupational Health and Safety” programs, is now continuing with the participation of academics. Demirtaş noted that these volunteer-based activities will continue gradually in the future.

A Five-Day Training Program Extending from Theory to Practice…

Within the scope of the training, a comprehensive five-day program was offered to academics within SHMYO. For the first three days, theoretical trainings on topics such as Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, and First Aid were given by AFAD trainers at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus. The remaining two days of the training continued with practical trainings held at the Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate.

During this process, academics gained:

•    Firefighting Techniques

•    Fire Simulator Room Applications

•    Earthquake Awareness and Evacuation Training

•    Use of Debris Equipment

•    Practical skills such as Shelter and Tent Setup.

Certificates and Personal Protective Equipment Were Presented

Academics who successfully passed the evaluation exam held at the end of the program qualified to receive a “Support AFAD Volunteer” certificate valid for three years. Additionally, participants were gifted personal protective equipment such as helmets, reflective vests, goggles, masks, and gloves by AFAD.