Source: The First Affiliated Hospital
Written by: The First Affiliated Hospital
Translated by: Zheng Ziyu
Edited by: Wang Dongmei
On the morning of April 20, 2016, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (FAHSYSU) and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSMC) held a signing ceremony for the establishment of a disaster life support training platform. By introducing the international advanced experience in disaster medicine, FAHSYSU strives to build the most professional and influential disaster life support training platform in Chinese mainland. The cooperation memorandum came into effect, thanks to the lead of Professor Liao Xiaoxing (the subject leader of the emergency department), and Professor Zhan Hong (the director of the emergency department), and the active preparation by Associate Professor Xiong Yan (who studied in UTSMC in the last two years). The first training course instructed by experts from UTSMC was also successfully held at the same time.
The signing ceremony
In recent years, natural disasters and safety accidents have posed tremendous economic losses, and caused irreparable mental pain to the society. Only through scientific and efficient management, the society’s capability of disaster prevention, mitigation and relief can be strengthened. Therefore, it is essential to conduct disaster medicine education and training in China. However, what we are lacking in this regard are systematic training, professional teaching staff, curricula and independent training institutes.
In September 2015, FAHSYSU took the lead in forming a team of more than 70 volunteers from departments of Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pharmacy, Radiology and other departments, 12 of whom have senior professional titles.
UTSMC possesses a wealth of experience in disaster medicine. The training course was organized by the training Center Director Dr. Raymond Swienton, Deputy Director Mr. Thomas Lehman, trainer Mrs. Song Lehman and other experts. The first course was open to 14 key members from FAHSYSU, and members from the Guangzhou emergency medical command center as well as the first aid center of Panyu District.
The opening ceremony was hosted by the Vice President of the hospital, Professor Chen Minhu. The President of the hospital, Professor Xiao Haipeng gave a speech. In this ceremony, the cooperation memorandum was signed under the witness of all the leaders and guests. Prof. Xiao pointed out that the training platform aims to introduce advanced concepts, developed technologies and new training modes. It can also provide necessary talents, technical training and management strategies for the hospital to set up a first-class disaster emergency comprehensive rescue center under the “Belt and Road” Initiative.
