Inauguration of the Training Program
On March 19, 2025, the Chaweng Conference Room at the Interdisciplinary College, Koh Samui, Surat Thani Rajabhat University became the venue for the launch of the Volunteer Training Program to Aid Tourists for Fiscal Year 2025, Batch 1. Ms. Supinya Srithongkul, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui City, presided over the opening ceremony. The event was conducted in collaboration with Bangkok Hospital Samui, emphasizing the importance of public and private partnerships in enhancing tourism safety.
Objectives and Scope of the Program
The initiative aims to bolster the safety and well-being of tourists visiting Koh Samui by equipping volunteers with essential skills. The program specifically focuses on the development of basic first aid competencies, effective communication for providing tourism information, and emergency response preparedness. By fostering a knowledgeable volunteer base, the program supports the island’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and secure tourism experiences.
Training Modules and Practical Sessions
The training agenda featured a series of comprehensive lectures and hands-on practice sessions, including:
- Overview of the Emergency Medical System: Volunteers received an introduction to emergency response protocols and the structure of local emergency services.
- Basic First Aid Techniques: Instruction on treating minor injuries, managing wounds, and addressing common health emergencies encountered by tourists.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Training on key life-saving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Guidelines for preventing and handling complications related to chronic health conditions among tourists.
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation: Practical demonstrations and exercises on the use of AEDs and other essential medical equipment, crucial for responding to cardiac emergencies.
Expert instructors from Bangkok Hospital Samui led all theoretical and practical components, ensuring participants gained both knowledge and confidence in emergency response.
Collaborative Efforts and Stakeholder Involvement
The success of the Volunteer Training Program was made possible through the cooperation of various stakeholders. Medical professionals from Bangkok Hospital Samui, officials from the Koh Samui City Municipality, and representatives from both public and private agencies actively participated. This multi-sectoral approach underscores the commitment to building a robust volunteer network capable of efficiently assisting tourists across the island.
Enhancing Tourism Confidence and Safety
By empowering community volunteers with essential medical and communication skills, the program serves to elevate the image of Koh Samui as a safe and tourist-friendly destination. Strengthening the network of trained volunteers not only fosters a sense of security among visitors but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving sustainable tourism growth for the region.
Additional Resources
Photographs and further visual documentation of the training activities can be accessed at this link.
