BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

FORTY-EIGHT health workers from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital were on duty to ensure the safety of participants and visitors during yesterday’s parade to mark His Majesty’s 69th birthday celebrations.

Dr Nurazlina Hj Abd Rahman, a medical officer from RIPAS’ Emergency Department, told The Brunei Times that the team comprised five doctors, 13 nurses, 12 paramedics, 12 attendants and six senior medical officers.

Five ambulances and one base camp clinic located in zone C of the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien were also prepared for the event.

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) also set up medical teams outside the gate of the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

The RBAF provided one ambulance and one base camp clinic while the RBPF medical team was equipped with one ambulance.

Additionally, around 30 teenagers from the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) volunteered to provide medical assistance.

Eleven people required medical attention during the celebration. Conditions included fainting, dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Ten of the patients were treated by RBAF paramedics and one by RIPAS paramedics.

Two of the patients required ambulance services for further treatment.

Medical personnel interviewed yesterday spoke on the importance of having medical teams on standby at such events.

“There are usually cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration and fainting that require medical attention during these events,” said Corporal Norazaidah Muhammad, a medical officer with the RBAF.

RBAF Training Medical Officer Captain Pg Hjh Saliza Pg HJ Ibrahim said onsite paramedics are also trained to treat any injuries that might occur.

“For events comprising RBAF personnel, we usually treat wounds for those who injure themselves while handling the sharp rifles,” he said, referring to their bayonets.

Dr Major Sadiqa, an RBAF medical officer, said children should be monitored closely at every outdoor event.

“Children are also more at risk to heat-related conditions, and we expect to treat more children at (such) events,” she said.

Corporal Shahrin Hj Suhaili, an officer with the RBAF’s Medical Assistance Department, added that ambulance services are necessary to transfer patients with a history of serious conditions to the hospital.

The Brunei Times