Army observes World First Aid Day in Arunachal

Itanagar: The Indian Army on Saturday observed World First Aid Day by conducting comprehensive first aid and CPR awareness sessions at Mechuka and Manigong in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district.The sessions led by regimental medical officer (RMO) aimed to equip citizens with practical, lifesaving skills that can be applied during the critical ‘golden hour’ before professional medical help arrives, defence PRO Lt Gen Mahendra Rawat said.At Manigong, a lecture and live demonstrations on essential first-aid responses and hands-only CPR were conducted. The session drew over 100 participants.A parallel session at Mechuka focused on foundational first-aid principles and CPR familiarisation, with special emphasis on empowering civilian medical staff alongside village volunteers and community members, the official said.Speaking at the event, the RMO underscored the importance of simple, sequential actions — assessing scene safety, calling for help, controlling bleeding, and administering CPR where indicated — remarking that ‘immediate, informed response saves lives’.Meanwhile, the Indian Army as part of the Swachh Bharat mission, organised an awareness lecture on garbage disposal and waste management at Mechuka on Saturday.

The event, conducted in collaboration with the tourism information office, covered practical, community-led solutions like segregation of waste at source, the 2-bin-1-bag system, reduction of single-use plastics, safe handling of biomedical and hazardous waste, home composting, and the waste hierarchy — reduce, reuse, recycle.Army officials also highlighted the health and tourism dividends of cleanliness in a high-altitude, eco-sensitive valley, the hazards of open burning, and simple local innovations for village wards, markets, schools, and force habitats.Later, a joint cleanliness drive was conducted with the Mechuka Youth Club for a cleaner and greener Mechuka.Army personnel and volunteers cleaned key public spaces and placed marked bins and signage promoting zero-littering.“Clean surroundings are fundamental to public health, force readiness, and sustainable tourism. Community awareness, disciplined habits, and regular drives will keep Mechuka pristine,” an army official said.