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

Numerous students from the National University of Laos (NUOL) are interested in working as volunteers and liaison officials during the 25th SEA Games in December.


Before the games, liaison officials must learn diplomatic etiquette to prepare them for taking care of guests and dignitaries during the event. The volunteer teams will assist in escorting athletes and be involved in other duties during the games.

One young lady selected to be a liaison official is 19 year old Ms Lamngeun Lattanavilay. She is in her fourth year of English language and environmental studies at NUOL.

Ms Lamngeun works at the NUOL office where she helped many students to register for selection as a volunteer or liaison official.

She previously worked as a volunteer for the Mettatham of Lao Youth Action for AIDS Programme.

Ms Lamngeun is proud to have been selected as a liaison official and has already attended four training courses in preparation for the games.

She said many students registered to help out at the games because it is a historical event for Laos .

Ms Lamngeun was born in Nathom village, Paek district, Xieng Khuang province, but now lives in Saphangmeuk village, Xaythany district, Vientiane .

Ms Soutsada Phorlasim is a 19 year old student and was selected to be a volunteer assistant during the games. She is in her fourth year of an information technology course at NUOL's Faculty of Science. She is also studying English at Thipvaly College .

She lives in Sengsavang village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane .

Ms Soutsada said she is very proud to be a part of the historic first ever hosting of the SEA Games by Laos .

She will take a break from her studies from October to December to prepare and work at the games, before resuming her education in January.

Both young ladies will learn more about Lao culture, history and tourist attractions before undertaking their respective duties at the games.

The Lao National Sports Committee is selecting more than 4,000 volunteers and liaison officials to assist with welcoming guests and athletes, promotion, marketing and other activities during the games.

Currently, some 2,600 volunteers and liaison officials are undertaking training courses at NUOL to prepare for the event.



By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes