Thousands of UAE frontline workers to undergo crisis and disaster training

First responders, medics and others will be equipped to handle 'natural disasters, fires and nuclear incidents'

Medical staff at Dubai's Port Rashid drive-through testing centre smile for the camera. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Thousands of frontline workers will undergo training to prepare them to respond to major disasters.

Medical staff and other essential personnel will each receive 60 hours of training to handle everything from "infectious disease and airborne viruses to natural disasters, fires and nuclear incidents".

The 'Jaheziya' initiative - meaning Readiness - was unveiled came after a database was recently set up to register 80,000 essential staff that could be called upon in a crisis.

It was announced by the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Volunteer Programme and the Frontline Heroes Office, which was set up to ensure the welfare of crucial personnel during the pandemic.

We have a responsibility to our people to protect the UAE from potential threats today and for generations to come

Those who complete programme will receive an internationally-recognised certification from a group of US and UK disaster management institutions.

Noura Al Suwaidi, secretary general of the General Women's Union, one of the initiative's organisers, said the training would "unify all medical and non-medical emergency responders, as well as our volunteer networks, to be able to work more effectively as a single, cohesive unit to respond to emergency situations".

The first courses are set to start in January.

Trainees will be required to take exams to obtain the certificates, and the best performing candidates will be nominated to participate undergo training to become instructors.

"As a nation, we have a responsibility to our people to invest in and maintain the highest level of emergency and disaster response capabilities to protect the UAE from potential threats to public safety today and for generations to come,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun, chairman of the board of the Frontline Heroes Office.

“At the same time, we owe it to our frontline professionals to provide them with the highest standards of professional training available both for their career development as well as to best enable them to deliver on the commitment they make every day to serve their nation."

The programme is available to all medical professionals, ambulance and rescue team members, plus staff working in a wide range of crisis response departments, and all professionals and volunteers on the Frontline Heroes Office registry.

The registry includes the names, specialisms and contact details of 80,000 frontline workers deemed essential in the fight against Covid-19.

They include healthcare practitioners, police, essential service providers, crisis managers, security and emergency service providers, humanitarian agencies, sanitation personnel and volunteers.

Members can benefit from financial support to help with living costs, including help with school fees and housing costs, along with various promotions and discounts in recognition of the role they play.

The Frontline Heroes Office was set up in July by decree of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and was tasked with ensuring critical personnel are "nationally recognised and celebrated".

Tributes to hero medical staff who died of Covid-19 

Lezly Orine Ocampo was described as a "true nightingale" by colleagues. The nurse at Burjeel Hospital died from coronavirus aged 32. Courtesy: VPS Healthcare

Lezly Orine Ocampo was described as a "beacon of positive light" by colleagues. The nurse at Burjeel Hospital died from Covid-19 aged 32. Courtesy: VPS Healthcare

Alia Usman, widow of Muhammad Usman Khan, who died of Covid-19, with her sons, from left to right, Mohanad, 6, and Akhdan, 5. Victor Besa / The National

Varsha with her husband Dr Sudhir Rambhau Washimkar, who worked in Burjeel Royal Hospital Al Ain, contracted the virus on May 9 and died a month later. Courtesy: Washimkar family

Dr Sudhir Rambhau Washimkar with his wife, Dr Varsha and sons, Siddarth and Rahul. Courtesy: Washimkar family

Dr Bassam Bernieh, chief medical officer of the Home Hemodialysis unit at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, speaks to a woman who needed donations to pay for her dialysis at her home in Dubai. Satish Kumar for The National

Marlon Jimenea worked in the ICY at the University Hospital of Sharjah and died three weeks after contracting Covid-19. Courtesy: The Filipino Times

Dr Muhammad Usman Khan died of Covid-19 in Abu Dhabi at the age of 56. Courtesy: Alia Usman