Community Outreach Programs – NAC

First Aid & CPR Awareness Session at National Academy of Construction: A Vital Training for the Future of Construction Management

On 17th November 2024, the National Academy of Construction (NAC) in Hyderabad hosted an invaluable First Aid & CPR Awareness Session for students pursuing their Post-Graduate Diploma in Construction Management. Conducted under the aegis of the J&A Bharath HSE Foundation, the full-day program aimed to equip students with the crucial skills needed to handle life-threatening emergencies—particularly those common in construction settings. The session, led by Prof. K Ramana (J&A BHF Chair Student Mentoring & Scholarship) and Dr. Laxminarayan P (J&A BHF Chair Health & Wellbeing), provided practical, hands-on training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic First Aid, and victim transportation methods.

Preparing Students for Real-Life Emergencies

Construction sites are known for their fast-paced, high-risk environments where accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. From falls and electrical injuries to machinery-related accidents, the potential for serious injuries is high. Therefore, it is crucial for construction professionals to not only be skilled in managing projects but also in responding effectively to emergencies when they arise.

The session, which covered a range of emergency topics, sought to provide Post-Graduate Diploma students in Construction Management with the skills needed to handle such emergencies confidently. The training focused on:

1. Cardiac Arrest: Understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, recognizing symptoms, and taking immediate action. Prof. Ramana and Dr. Laxminarayan emphasized that knowing how to perform CPR can literally be the difference between life and death.

2. Choking: The session provided clear instructions on how to respond in choking situations, which can be fatal if not handled promptly.

3. Stroke: With the increasing importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly, students learned how to identify a stroke and how to administer first aid before professional help arrives.

Construction-Specific First Aid: The ‘Fatal Four’

In addition to general first aid techniques, the session had a special focus on the most common construction-related injuries. The module covered the so-called ‘Fatal Four’ injuries, which are particularly relevant for those working in the construction industry:

• Falls: These are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, and the session provided guidelines on preventing falls and treating injuries caused by them.
• Struck by Objects: The training included the essential steps for handling head or body injuries caused by falling debris or heavy machinery.
• Electrocution: A common and dangerous risk on construction sites, electrocution response and safety procedures were thoroughly explained.
• Caught-in/Between: Accidents involving heavy machinery or structural elements were addressed, with practical advice on how to manage these critical situations.

Understanding these injuries and how to respond to them is critical in construction management, where workers’ health and safety must always be a top priority.

Extensive Hands-On Practice: Mastering Life-Saving Skills

The hands-on practice sessions were an integral part of the training, ensuring that students could confidently apply what they learned. The program included:

• CPR Training: Students practiced performing CPR on mannequins, learning the correct techniques and the importance of timing when administering chest compressions and rescue breaths.

• Bandaging for Fractures: The session included practical demonstrations on how to properly bandage fractures, stabilizing the injured area until medical professionals can take over.

• Victim Transportation Techniques: One of the highlights of the training was the focus on patient transportation methods, such as the human crutch method. Students were taught how to move injured individuals safely, minimizing further harm during the transfer.

These practical exercises gave students the confidence to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies—an essential skill for anyone working in high-risk environments like construction sites.

The Importance of Health and Safety in Construction Management

This training session wasn’t just about learning life-saving techniques—it also highlighted the importance of health and safety (HSE) in construction management. Understanding first aid and CPR is not only essential for personal safety but also for ensuring the well-being of fellow workers. Construction professionals often find themselves in positions where they need to make split-second decisions that could save a life. By empowering students with these critical skills, the J&A Bharath HSE Foundation is helping to build a future generation of construction leaders who are equipped to handle emergencies with composure and expertise.

A Step Toward Safer Construction Sites

As part of the J&A Bharath HSE Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote safety and well-being in the construction industry, this session represents a crucial step toward creating safer work environments. The foundation’s commitment to providing practical, real-world training ensures that students not only excel in construction management but are also prepared to safeguard the lives of their colleagues and workers in emergency situations.

For the students at NAC, the First Aid & CPR Awareness Session was a powerful reminder that safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re managing a construction site or leading a team, knowing how to respond to life-threatening emergencies is an indispensable skill.

Conclusion

The First Aid & CPR Awareness Session at the National Academy of Construction is a perfect example of how educational institutions can go beyond traditional curricula to prepare students for real-world challenges. By learning these life-saving skills, students are becoming better-equipped not only to manage construction projects but to protect and care for the people working alongside them. The training helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that these future construction leaders can contribute to safer, more resilient work environments.

We hope that this session inspires more institutions to offer similar programs and that it helps to create a culture of health, safety, and preparedness across the construction industry.