DIMAPUR: National Service Scheme (NSS) of Don Bosco College, Kohima (DBCK), in collaboration with the 12th Battalion, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Itanagar, conducted a Disaster Preparedness Programme on September 17 under the NDRF’s Capacity Building Programme.
Altogether 136 volunteers of the DBCK NSS Unit participated in the lecture cum demonstration held at the college premises.
The session was led by Vikhodi Rhetso, Commander, NDRF Thizama, 12 Bn NDRF, accompanied by his expert demonstration team. They imparted training on disaster awareness and medical first aid. Commander Rhetso highlighted Nagaland’s vulnerable position in seismic zone 5, where earthquakes can reach high magnitudes. He emphasised that while natural disasters cannot be predicted, loss of life can be minimised through awareness and preparedness. He outlined key safety protocols including evacuation drills, emergency kits, and classroom survival tactics such as taking cover under sturdy furniture and protecting the head and neck.
He explained the role of NDRF as an elite force trained to handle disasters, with its primary goal being “Conduct, Search, Rescue and Assist.” Along with his team, he demonstrated practices such as lifting and moving injured patients, controlling bleeding, performing the Heimlich Maneuver, and preparing improvised stretchers. Standard casualty evacuation techniques including piggyback, two person and three person carries were also demonstrated.
Students were introduced to specialised rescue equipment and trained in its proper usage. The integrated presentation further addressed critical emergency medical interventions. The NDRF team provided practical demonstrations of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO) management, dressing and bandaging techniques, and haemorrhage control methods such as direct pressure, elevation and pressure point application.
Commander Rhetso stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in earthquake prone regions like the Northeast, and highlighted the critical role of CPR in saving lives. The demonstrations were made engaging through active participation of the volunteers. The programme was chaired by Nutsulo Swuro, DBCK NSS Programme Officer, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Sharon Khing, DBCK NSS Programme Officer.
