Building a Safer Community through Emergency Medical Training

Building a Safer Community through Emergency Medical Training

At Vadakara, an inspiring initiative took shape today as Meitra Hospital Emergency Department, Malayala Manorama Vanitha magazine, and Angels International Foundation collaborated to conduct a comprehensive seminar-cum-workshop on emergency medical care.

A Vision with Purpose

The program was inaugurated by Mr. P. P. Rajan, Executive Director of Angels, who emphasized the importance of community empowerment in medical emergencies. His words set the tone for a day filled with practical learning, meaningful interaction, and life-saving skill development.

Life-Saving Skills in Focus

The workshop focused on equipping participants with essential skills required to respond effectively in critical situations:

1. Sudden collapse management with hands-only CPR
2. Airway obstruction in adults and children
3. Trauma care techniques such as safe transport, log roll, and helmet removal
4. Emergency recognition and response in stroke (brain attack) and heart attack
5. First aid measures for drowning, burns, electrocution, snake bites, dog bites, and other household emergencies

A Community That Cares

With 200+ registered participants, the event witnessed overwhelming community participation. The sessions were interactive and dynamic, filled with insightful discussions and practical demonstrations.

I had the privilege to lead the workshop in my capacity as Chair & Senior Consultant, Emergency Medicine, Meitra Hospital, supported by an outstanding team of doctors:

1. Dr. Mohamed A
2. Dr. Yumina Perikutty
3. Dr. Lavina
4. Dr. Irene
5. Dr. Sharif
6. Dr. Kavya

The ANGELS volunteers played a vital role in facilitating the hands-on training at each workstation, ensuring every participant had an opportunity to practice the skills taught.

Recognizing Efforts and Inspiring Change

To encourage active engagement, Vanitha magazine presented awards to the best participants, making the experience both rewarding and memorable.

The Road Ahead

This initiative is not just a one-time workshop but part of a structured three-year training program aimed at building community resilience in medical emergencies. Our collective mission is clear: empower every individual with the knowledge and confidence to save lives when every second counts.

A Convocation of Pride, Joy, and Reflection

A Convocation of Pride, Joy, and Reflection

Convocations are always among the happiest moments in the life of a doctor. For the graduating student, it is the culmination of years of sleepless nights and hard work. For the family, it is a proud celebration of sacrifice. For the mentors, it is the most rewarding moment—to watch their protégés take flight into the world.

Yesterday , I had the privilege of addressing yet another convocation of the Masters in Emergency Medicine (MEM) residents under the George Washington University program. This was not just another ceremony for me—it was deeply personal.

Back in 2007, Aster MIMS Calicut became the first institution in India to begin a formal international Emergency Medicine training program, in collaboration with GWU. This was even before the Medical Council of India formally recognized Emergency Medicine in 2009. Over the last two decades, I have been blessed to mentor and graduate hundreds of residents through this pathway. Today, more than 500 of our graduates are working across the globe—many in the UK, GCC, and beyond—serving with distinction as emergency physicians.

And yet, there is an irony. Despite its proven quality and global recognition, the GWU MEM program does not have formal recognition in India. This paradox was strongly felt as I convocated this extraordinary batch—perhaps my last convocation at Aster, and certainly one of the most special. These residents were passionate, resilient, and beyond exceptional. Their training was rigorous, their commitment unparalleled, and their spirit inspiring.

But while the joy was immense, the realities we face cannot be ignored. Opportunities for MEM graduates are shrinking. Hospitals increasingly prefer candidates with NMC-recognized qualifications. Even the traditional pathway of supplementing MEM with MRCEM and working in the UK has tightened in recent years. Despite their outstanding skills, many of our graduates are forced to prove themselves repeatedly, sometimes practicing under the shadow of only their MBBS degree.

It is here that I feel the role of the university is crucial. George Washington University, which has produced thousands of medical postgraduates worldwide, must now take proactive steps in India. Establishing an Indian campus, directly with the National Medical Commission, and seeking recognition for programs like MEM is not just important—it is necessary. Without it, the future of high-quality training of this kind in India is uncertain.

As I reflect, I feel both pride and concern. Pride, because I have been part of this journey for nearly two decades, witnessing how Emergency Medicine in India grew from being almost invisible to becoming a respected specialty. Concern, because without bold action, the next decade may not carry the same promise for our trainees.

To my graduating residents, I can only say this: the certificate you hold is a symbol, but your skills, knowledge, and compassion are the real degree. No recognition can take that away from you. You have proven yourselves beyond paper credentials. Wherever you go—in India, the UK, the Gulf, or anywhere in the world—your commitment to saving lives will speak louder than any title.

This convocation was a celebration, but also a call to action. A reminder that while we must cherish the joy of today, we must also build stronger foundations for tomorrow.

To my students: You are not just doctors. You are guardians of life. Carry the torch of Emergency Medicine with courage, humility, and passion. The world needs you—now more than ever.

Empowering Young Doctors: Launch of PULSE at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal

Empowering Young Doctors: Launch of PULSE at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal

I had the honor of being invited as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony of the Young Doctors Network – Pulse, hosted by one of Kerala’s most reputed healthcare institutions, Almas Hospital, Kottakkal.

Almas Hospital has an inspiring journey of growth under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kabeer, the Chairman, who began with a small clinic in Kottakkal and nurtured it into a 400+ bedded hospital with modern facilities. What makes Almas remarkable is its unwavering commitment to ethical medical practice—standing tall outside the grip of global corporate networks and consciously distancing itself from unethical ambulance-linked practices.

As I step into my second innings with a focus on rural emergency medicine, I reflected on my own journey. Having left anesthesia in 2006, my mission has been to develop emergency medical care systems—a dream that is now a reality across most urban hospitals in India. But today, the need is to extend this empowerment into rural healthcare systems, where early recognition, stabilization, and timely referral can save countless lives.

The Pulse initiative aims to empower young doctors with the skills to manage medical and surgical emergencies and, most importantly, to make timely referrals with the right stabilization measures. In my inaugural address, I recalled the tragic death of Dr. Vandana Das, an intern who was fatally stabbed by a psychotic patient in a district hospital casualty a few years ago. Despite being referred and intubated, she succumbed to a pneumothorax during transport. This devastating incident highlights how critical decisions and timely interventions could prevent avoidable loss of life.

I emphasized the importance of “Ten Critical Skills Training” and red-flag-based training modules to equip young doctors in rural settings. Such training not only enhances their confidence but also strengthens the safety net for patients across our healthcare system.

The event witnessed the participation of over 75 young doctors, brimming with enthusiasm and dedication. A special highlight was the recognition and honoring of three pioneers of modern medicine in Kottakkal—Dr. Balachandran, Dr. Poolakundan Mohammed, and Dr. Murali Menon. This gesture filled the session with a profound sense of positivity and respect for the legacy of medical service in the region.

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Suhas Pola, CEO of Almas Hospital, and his dedicated team for organizing such a meaningful and well-executed event. It was not just a gathering but the beginning of a movement to empower the next generation of doctors with the vision and tools to reshape emergency care in rural India.

Red fm /Meitra Super Hero 2025

Red FM / Meitra / Angels – Super Hero 2025: A Celebration of Courage and Life-Saving Skills

In a world where emergencies can strike at any moment, the ability to act swiftly and confidently can make the difference between life and death. With this vision in mind, Red FM, Meitra Hospital, and Angels joined forces to create a unique initiative—Super Hero 2025.

This program was not just about training; it was about awakening the hero within ordinary people and celebrating those who have already stepped up in critical moments to save lives.

A Journey Across 10 Campuses

Over the past month, the campaign team traveled through ten college campuses across Kozhikode. Each visit was more than a training session—it was an empowering experience. Students were introduced to hands-on life-saving skills, from CPR techniques to emergency response drills, with the message loud and clear: “You too can be a hero.”

The response was overwhelming. With nearly 2,500 students trained, the campaign created ripples of confidence and preparedness across the youth community. These young participants walked away not only with new skills but also with a newfound sense of responsibility toward society.

Celebrating Real-Life Heroes

Parallel to the campus training, the Red FM team carried the mission to the airwaves, reaching thousands of listeners. Through this platform, 10 real-life heroes were identified—individuals who had gone beyond fear, hesitation, and uncertainty to save lives in their own communities.

Their stories were living proof that you don’t need a cape to be a superhero; you just need courage and compassion. Recognizing these heroes became a cornerstone of the campaign, inspiring many more to believe in their own potential.

The Grand Finale: A Night of Inspiration

The campaign culminated in a grand finale that was equal parts celebration and inspiration. The atmosphere was electrifying as DySP Umesh, Dr. Venugopalan P. P., and Dr. Mohammed A. A. presented awards to the superheroes of 2025.

Adding a splash of entertainment and color, the Sahasam movie team—Gowri, Ramzan, and Jiji—brought vibrancy to the stage, reminding everyone that awareness and celebration can go hand-in-hand.

The event was flawlessly conducted by the energetic Red FM crew—RJ Manu, Abhinav, Arya Sree, and Neha, whose enthusiasm kept the audience engaged and inspired throughout the evening.

Behind the Scenes: The Pillars of Support

No initiative of this scale can succeed without strong support behind the scenes. A special appreciation goes out to the Meitra BD team, Deepak and Praveen, whose tireless efforts made the program possible.

Most importantly, the campaign stood tall because of the Angels EMCT volunteers. Their selfless dedication to spreading lifesaving knowledge and supporting logistics on the ground was the real backbone of this movement.

Super Hero 2025: More Than a Program

When the last award was given and the last applause faded, one truth remained—Super Hero 2025 was not just an event, it was a movement.

It was a movement that reminded us that heroes walk among us. They are students who step up in emergencies, radio listeners who get inspired to learn CPR, community members who rush to help a stranger, and volunteers who dedicate time to make others stronger.

Together, Red FM, Meitra, and Angels created something larger than life: a call to action for society to stand ready, united, and fearless.

Because in the end, anyone can be a hero when a life is at stake.

Rural Emergency Care- Challenges

 

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#RuralHealthcare hashtag#IMA hashtag#HealthcareChallenges hashtag#GoldenHourCare hashtag#Kerala

Strengthening Rural Emergency Care – Challenges & Solutions

Emergency care is often defined by time. In critical situations, the golden hour can make the difference between life and death. But for many living in rural and remote regions, accessing timely, high-quality emergency medical services remains a significant challenge.

This reality was at the heart of an insightful panel discussion organised by IMA CGP Kozhikode on “Remote Rural Emergency Care in Kerala – Challenges and Solutions”, which I had the privilege to moderate.

A Gathering of Diverse Expertise

The session began with a warm introduction by my classmate Dr. T. P. Rajagopal and was formally opened by Dr. Sankar Mahadevan (IMA President), Dr. Baby Supriya (Assistant Director, CGP), and Dr. Jithin G. R. (Secretary, CGP).

Our panel brought together professionals with rich and varied experience in emergency medicine and critical care:

• Dr. Mahesh B. – Intensivist

• Dr. Ahammed – MD, Relief Hospital Kondotty

• Dr. Muhamed – In-charge, ED, Meitra Hospital

• Dr. Jijin – Emergency Physician, Manjeri Remote Centre

• Dr. Lovena – Coordinator, Remote Emergency Program

• Dr. Irin – Emergency Physician, Kondotty Centre

The audience included senior IMA leaders, postgraduate students, and general practitioners—an ideal mix for a well-rounded exchange of ideas.

Key Challenges Discussed

The discussion was both frank and thought-provoking, touching on critical gaps that hinder rural emergency care:

1. Complex Case Management – Remote hospitals often lack specialist support and advanced equipment, making stabilisation difficult.

2. Referral & Transport Bottlenecks – Inadequate availability of D-level ambulances delays critical transfers.

3. Financial Barriers – High costs can prevent patients from accessing the care they need.

4. Mortality & Morbidity Patterns – Delayed intervention often results in worse outcomes.

5. Standards for Early Stabilisation – The need for clear, uniform protocols to optimise golden hour care.

6. Unethical Transport Practices – Case diversion by ambulance operators and patient families’ fear of corporate hospital billing.

Wisdom from Senior Physicians

Senior experts like Dr. Madavan Nambair, Dr. Yousaf Ali, and Dr. T. P. Rajagopal enriched the discussion with real-world insights and practical recommendations based on decades of clinical experience.

A Step Towards Sustainable Solutions

The dialogue reinforced the importance of building a coordinated rural emergency network that ensures:

• Adequate training for doctors, nurses, and first responders

• Affordable and ethical ambulance services

• Transparent communication with patient families

• Partnerships between rural and tertiary care hospitals

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

This programme was designed and supported by Meitra Hospital, with special thanks to BD Head Mr. Praveen Nair for his unwavering commitment to community healthcare.

The event was more than just a meeting—it was a collective pledge to strengthen rural emergency care in Kerala, ensuring that geography never dictates the quality of a patient’s chance at survival.