Army conducts high-altitude medical training

ITANAGAR, May 05: The Indian Army conducted a one-day training programme titled “Continuous Medical Education (CME)” for troops, paramedics, and paramilitary personnel serving in the Tawang region on Saturday.

During the event, medical professionals from the Indian Army shared their experiences in saving lives of troops affected by high-altitude illnesses and unforeseen incidents caused by adverse weather conditions in high-altitude terrain.

High altitude significantly impacts the human body, posing life-threatening challenges to individuals working in such environments worldwide.

In regions like Tawang and along India's Northern Borders, personnel from the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and organizations like BRO (Border Roads Organisation) working on projects such as Vartak, Arunank, Dantak, Himank, regularly face the challenges of extreme weather and difficult terrain.

To enhance the capabilities of medical personnel in dealing with emergencies caused by weather and terrain in the region, the training was organized under the Gajraj Corps.

In addition to Indian Army medical personnel, the programme was attended by medical professionals from the paramilitary and civilian administration, highlighting the coordination between the Army and civil administration in the region.

Key topics discussed during the programme included acclimatization procedures, physiological conditioning, case studies and investigation of risk factors for high-altitude illnesses.

The efficacy of traditional treatment approaches, and management of cold injuries and various ailments such as acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, high altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude retinal hemorrhage were also discussed.

The event organised at the Indian Army's field hospital at remote Senge near Sela Pass enroute to Tawang, the largest medical facility between Jang and Dirang, also included practical demonstrations on preventive care.