KUWAIT: Moved by the daily suffering of thousands of children in Gaza being injured due to bombings and killings, a group of medical students in Kuwait took the initiative to organize a seminar on the importance of pediatric emergency care. The seminar included a special session featuring two Kuwaiti doctors, Mohammad Shamsah and Faisal Alhajeri who volunteered in Gaza, sharing their experiences of performing life-saving surgeries amidst the conflict.

Noting that medical emergencies can occur “anywhere, anytime, anyplace,” Rowa Al-Enezi, a medical student and member of the event’s organizing team, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this topic among medical students, patients, and parents in Kuwait. She explained that part of the initiative is to spread knowledge on the proper management of emergencies, while another key aspect is to “keep the children of Gaza always in mind,” as she added.

From fractures, bleeding, and poisoning to upper airway problems and CPR, Rowa Al-Enezi believes that being able to help someone recover in any of these situations can “make the difference between life and death.” That’s when she noted that some first aid skills are tailored for public awareness, not just for medical professionals, such as CPR and AED.

Dr Rita George Alfattal, a pediatric consultant, advocated for the wider adoption of life-saving skills such as Basic Life Support (BLS) for everyone, whether it’s a parent or even a high school student. She also encouraged families with children suffering from chronic illnesses to develop emergency plans in collaboration with their treating doctors. Additionally, she stressed the importance of seeking medical advice as soon as parents notice any abnormal symptoms in their children, pointing out the need for effective communication between parents and healthcare providers to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

Organized by the Kuwait Medical Student Association and the Kuwaiti Board of Pediatrics, the seminar, chaired by Dr Fatoumah Alabdulrazzaq, a leading pediatric emergency consultant, featured insightful discussions on urgent pediatric care topics, ranging from toxicology to neonatal sepsis. Attendees also participated in hands-on workshops focusing on essential emergency skills, such as bleeding control, suturing, and intubation, making it a comprehensive learning opportunity for healthcare providers in Kuwait.