Training on the introduction and initial management of critical surgical cases for disaster victims to Padang City BPBD

West Sumatra is an area with a high vulnerability to natural disasters. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) as the frontline in handling disaster victims needs to have adequate competence in the initial management of critical surgical cases. This community service activity aims to improve the knowledge and skills of BPBD personnel in Padang City in recognizing and handling critical surgical cases in disaster victims. The methods used include counseling, training, and simulation of critical surgical case management that potentially occur in disaster victims. The activity was carried out at Padang City Hall and BPBD Padang Office with 70 participants consisting of 50 BPBD personnel, 10 Fire Department personnel, and 10 Satpol PP personnel from Padang City. Evaluation results showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge with an average improvement of >80% based on pre and post-test results comparison. This activity also produced a guidebook for handling critical surgical cases in disaster victims distributed to all participants. This service activity provides a significant contribution to increasing the capacity of BPBD personnel and related agencies as first responders in handling disaster victims, which is expected to reduce mortality and disability rates due to disasters in Padang City.