Academicians and students from the Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) successfully completed the training program organized by AFAD and earned the title of “Support AFAD Volunteer.” The program, designed to strengthen disaster awareness and intervention culture, was carried out with broad participation from various VSHS departments.
Many programs participated in the training
Students from the following programs took part in the training: Emergency and Disaster Management. Oral and Dental Health, Operating Room Services, Home Patient Care, Electroneurophysiology, First and Emergency Aid, Laboratory Safety, Nuclear Technology and Radiation Safety, Pathology Laboratory Techniques, Health Institutions Management, and Elderly Care.
During the five-day program, theoretical training sessions were held on the first three days at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus by AFAD instructors, covering Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, and First Aid.
Practical experience gained through applied training
In the following days, applied training sessions took place at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of AFAD. Participants gained hands-on experience in: fire extinguishing techniques, fire simulator room applications, earthquake awareness and evacuation training, use of debris equipment, and shelter and tent installation.
They became support AFAD volunteers
All academicians and students who achieved success in the final assessment exam received the Support AFAD Volunteer certificate, which is valid for three years. In addition, participants were provided with personal protective equipment such as helmets, reflective vests, goggles, masks, and gloves by AFAD.
Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “Disaster awareness must be spread across all segments of society”
Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program, emphasized the importance of their third participation in this initiative. He noted that such training programs, conducted by AFAD in various regions of Türkiye, significantly contribute to increasing societal awareness. Demirtaş highlighted that the unpredictability of disaster timing and severity makes preparedness essential, stressing that spreading disaster awareness across all segments of society is of vital importance.
“These trainings play a critical role in risk reduction efforts”
Demirtaş stated that the accuracy of the first response given after an emergency directly affects the success of the disaster management process. He explained that trained individuals act more calmly during crises, ensuring their own safety while also supporting professional teams. He warned that incorrect reactions can increase casualties and emphasized that these training programs hold a critical role in community-based risk reduction efforts.
“Volunteer-based efforts will continue gradually”
Demirtaş noted that the process, initially conducted with students and academicians from the Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety programs, has been expanded this year to include students from various VSHS departments. He added that volunteer-based activities will continue to be carried out gradually.