The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) organised a six-day Disaster Management Course at 8 Battalion, NDRF, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh for adventure guides.
The adventure guides from across the country successfully completed the 6-day course on Disaster Management, Search & Rescue, First Aid & CPR, Fire Safety, Water Emergencies, Snake & Animal Bites, Group Exercises / Leadership, communication skills and related topics.
The adventure guides were awarded certificates on completion of the course by Commandant Praveen Kumar Tiwary, Commandant 8th Battalion NDRF. The adventure guides were also made honorary wardens for keeping ‘the great outdoors’ pristine and to ensure that ATOAI safety guidelines are followed in letter and spirit.
Speaking to the adventure guides at NDRF Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI said “ATOAI has always endeavored to be a ‘Force for Good’ for our country and tried to pitch in during natural disasters. This is the value system ATOAI stands for and these training sessions will enable adventure guides who are trained professionals and spread across the country, to be force multipliers for rescue and support during natural disasters. This will also up-skill adventure professionals/ guides in providing safer adventure experiences to adventure tourists.
“In August 2018, when Kerala faced an unprecedented flood situation, ATOAI mobilised a team of 26 rafting and mountaineering experts for the rescue mission. The team rescued over 400 affected people; The Government of Kerala had then expressed its gratitude to ATOAI for its timely support over 07 days,” he added.
During the recent natural disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, within 12 hours of a request from the District Administration of Joshimath, ATOAI was able to dispatch six vehicles and a team to help our fellow citizens in distress, during harsh winter conditions.”
