25th SEA Games, Laos

Medical and firefighting teams carried out an emergency response training exercise at the National Stadium on Saturday, as part of safety preparations ahead of the SEA Games in Vientiane next month.

Medical teams from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Security's fire brigade worked together on the exercise to ensure maximum cooperation between response teams in the event of an emergency.

A key aspect of the training was maintaining stadium access for ambulances and fire trucks to ferry the injured from such an emergency.

The Ministry of Health has held 10 training courses for medical teams in the run-up to the games, and Saturday's joint exercise with the fire brigade was the fourth of its kind.

The training activities were observed by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Chairman Somsavat Lengsavad, Minister of Health Dr Ponmek Dalaloy and senior medical officials.

Vice Minister of Health and Chairman of the Medical Committee Prof. Dr Eksavang Vongvichit commented on the success of the test of coordination skills between the emergency teams.

“We are ready with ambulances and medicines to treat patients,” he said, explaining that each ambulance was fitted with a bed, oxygen supply, stethoscopes and emergency medical equipment.

The medical teams comprise 300 paramedics and nurses spread across the venues, who will provide treatment at the scene before patients are transferred to the care of special emergency teams at each hospital in the capital.

During the event medical teams will be stationed at the National Stadium in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district (km16), the SEA Games Village , Beuang Khayong indoor stadium, the stadiums and fields at the NUOL Dongdok campus and other sports venues.

Medical and fire teams are also preparing to assist increased numbers of people injured in road accidents during the games.

Further training was provided at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane yesterday for officials of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the event of emergency air transport of patients.

Medical officials will also be on hand throughout the games to treat injured athletes. One such team is currently working at the National Sports Training Centre in Sikeut village, Naxaithong district, to treat injured Lao athletes training for the event.

Lao sports coaches were given additional training last month at the Lao National Sports Committee office to assist in this capacity during the tournament.


By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes