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In Pakistan where bomb blasts, collapsed buildings and target killings occur rampantly, we have forgotten to acknowledge the people who arrive first ‘at the site of the attack.’
Disaster and rescue workers in Pakistan who risk their lives trying to save others are rarely called on after an attack by the government, neither do the citizens protest against this outrage.
Thousands of rescue workers respond to these attacks on a daily basis, however, they are not even represented by the media. If for nothing else, should these people not at least be appreciated for selflessly putting their lives on the line day after day?
Forget acknowledgment, not only have most rescue workers in Pakistan not received proper training to deal with emergency situations; hence mostly learning on-site rescue procedures, they are seldom provided with proper safety equipment, further endangering their lives.
Perhaps it is time, disaster management and rescue services invested further in these personnel, who are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of the country.
