This is a crucial part of learning that is conducted under the watchful eyes of their instructors. It equips students with life skills, leadership skills, survival, and adaptability that is key in the practice of their profession.
A section of the students learning on First Aid Practice and Trauma Management.
Commenting on the importance of this exercise, the Dean, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa noted that Field Skills Practicum helps in bridging the gap between the classroom and the practice environment. He added that the integration of theory and practice primarily occurs within the practicum.
“A teaching environment differs greatly from a testing environment. A practicum is meant to facilitate learning and skill development for students,” said Dr. Nabiswa.
The practicum encompassed various activities in different areas of disaster management which included Rescue Operations, Mass Evacuation, Search Techniques, Team Building, Crime Scene Management, First Aid Practice, and Trauma Management, Environmental Health as well as Water Rescue. These activities were facilitated by industry players drawn from various related fields who took the students through extensive practical lessons involving demonstrations and training.
Students undertaking Rescue Operation and Mass Evacuation lessons.
Additionally, the students were accompanied by the Chairperson of the Department of Emergency Management Studies, Dr. Nicholas Ombachi, and other members of staff including Mr. Leonard Nyongesa, Ms. Betty Opilo, Ms. Janerose Kimuma and Mr. Peter Otsianda. The students also visited various parts of Budalangi to learn about the effects of floods impacts of disaster to communities.
COD, Dr. Nicholas Ombachi together with students during water rescue learning.
The students attested to the continuum of experiences they gained during the field practicum. “We have had an opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition and application of the knowledge we learned in class in a realistic context. We appreciate the University Management for enabling us to undertake this important exercise,” they reiterated.
Notably, field practicum is an important aspect of every paramedic program, it provides students with a learning environment to develop new skills and adjust their previous practice. It also helps in the assessment of the students to gauge their readiness for the practice of their professions outside the classroom setting. This occurs under the watchful eyes of their preceptors, who serve as teachers and adjudicators at the same time.
This is a crucial part of learning that is conducted under the watchful eyes of their instructors. It equips students with life skills, leadership skills, survival, and adaptability that is key in the practice of their profession. The Field practicum was held from 22nd to 25th November 2022.
By Linet Owuor
