KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s three-in-one monsoon training programme involving 37 rescue boats was launched simultaneously in all 36 fire stations in the state yesterday (Oct 2).
Director Khirudin Drahman, when met by the media at Kuching Waterfront jetty, said they would be testing the preparedness of all assets and readiness of the fire stations as well as studying the conditions and currents of all the rivers.
One of the programme’s demonstrations included the personnel’s attentiveness and rescue techniques when Assistant Director of Operations Henderi Ardimanshah ‘fell’ in the waters.
“These are some of the matters that our rescuers need to pay attention to as it is not just about rescuing victims but also rescuing their own men.
“Aside from that, they should also be attentive towards to the conditions of the rivers and currents because during operations, the currents and conditions are not certain.
“Among the important points in this programme is to identify the flood-risk locations in low-lying areas,” he said at the launch of the training programme yesterday (Oct 2).
Khirudin added that these monsoon preparations needed to be carried out despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
When asked what would happen when a person without a life jacket fell into the water, Khirudin pointed out that he or she would be struggling in waters. He or she must remain calm because if the/she continued to struggle, he/she might drown faster.
“Therefore, it is important to ensure that every person on a rescue boat wears a life jacket as part of the standard operating procedure (SOP) and in the event of a real fall, they can stay calm as the life jackets can keep them afloat.
“By ensuring this SOP is adhered with, the probability of drowning during a flood can be reduced.
“Such incident happened before in the past when a drowning victim was saved by rescuers after being swept away by strong river currents. That was after the rescue boat capsized.
“These are the things that need to be paid attention to,” he said, adding that the victims would also be reminded to be wear life jackets, be on the alert and hold firmly on the boats when the river currents were strong.
On evacuation work, he said that they would use the department’s lorries with ramps to transport the victims to the temporary evacuation centres (PPS). These lorries could also go through floods that were two or three feet deep with ease, he said.
“When we talk about evacuations, it must be done immediately. We cannot afford to wait for the victims to make a decision.
“If they were wait until waters rise to the roof and call for help, it would be too late if our boats are not at the scene and this latency can cause their dissatisfaction.
“This is what we are trying to avoid in the event of a crisis. That is why flood monitoring patrols must be done,” he said.
Meanwhile, Henderi Ardimanshah, who was earlier part of the demonstration, stressed that life jackets must always be worn at all times if the public were to go fishing because they would keep them safe.
He stressed that anyone, who witnessed a person drowning, must also know how to act in the situation.
Taking picture or video of the incident as the first option and rescuing as second option was wrong, he said.
“They can help by throwing a lifebuoy to the drowning person or if the witness has rescue-swimming techniques, he can jump into the river and put that technique to use.
“The demonstration earlier was semi-real because we were informed about the act but we did not expect when and where it would take place.
“As experienced rescuers, we must always remain calm and do not panic. Once help has arrived, we should always cooperate with them,” he said.
