“Support AFAD Volunteer” training delivered to Üsküdar University academics

Üsküdar University’s Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Emergency and Disaster Management Program organized a “Support AFAD Volunteer” training for academic staff in collaboration with AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) and the Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs Unit. During the five-day training program, which included both theoretical and practical components, academics received training in areas such as disaster awareness, search and rescue, fire response, and tent installation. Upon successfully completing the final assessment, participants were awarded certificates.

The first three days of the training took place at Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus, while the remaining two days were held at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of AFAD.

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “All segments of society must be conscious and prepared”

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program at VSHS, emphasized that it is impossible to predict when, where, or how a disaster will occur. Therefore, all segments of society need to be aware and well-prepared.
He stressed the importance of a timely and effective response in the aftermath of an emergency for managing the process properly. Demirtaş also noted that trained individuals making correct interventions during crises can help reduce the burden on field professionals and enhance the overall effectiveness of response operations.

Volunteer efforts expanding gradually

Demirtaş reminded that disasters can strike at any moment and stated that increasing disaster awareness across society contributes to raising overall consciousness levels. He explained that the volunteer process, initially launched with students from the “Emergency and Disaster Management” and “Occupational Health and Safety” programs, now continues with the involvement of academic staff. Demirtaş added that these volunteer-based initiatives will be gradually expanded in the future.

A five-day training program from theory to practice…

A comprehensive five-day training program was delivered to VSHS academic staff.
During the first three days at the Çarşı Campus, AFAD trainers provided theoretical instruction on topics such as Urban Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, and First Aid.
The final two days consisted of hands-on training sessions held at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of AFAD.

Throughout the practical sessions, academics gained key skills including:

• Firefighting Techniques
• Fire Simulator Room Applications
• Earthquake Awareness and Evacuation Training
• Use of Debris Equipment
• Shelter and Tent Setup

Certificates and Personal Protective Equipment Distributed

Academics who passed the final assessment received the “Support AFAD Volunteer” certificate, valid for three years. In addition, participants were provided with personal protective equipment by AFAD, including helmets, reflective vests, goggles, masks, and gloves.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)