Welcoming Speech

Sabah is a very special state, full with variety of beautiful natural resources; from one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, Sipadan Island, to the highest mountain in southeast Asia; Mount Kinabalu. While thousands of people visit Malaysia and particularly Sabah seeking tranquility and adventures; many are not aware of the possible danger that lies in every activity taken, be it natural dangers or otherwise.

The very first question that we as healthcare providers, need to address is, are we prepared enough to deal with the wilderness and the sea when danger strikes and injuries are caused?

Wilderness emergency is a subspecialty under Emergency & Trauma Medicine. It covers various aspect including high altitude illness, underwater medicine, extreme weathers, and bites, stings and envenomation from animals or plants.

Alas, this subspecialty is not well explored, and inadequate stress is given on its importance and practicalities, especially here in Sabah, where wilderness emergencies are more likely to happen.

Upon that realisation, Kelab Rekreasi & Kebajikan Jabatan Kecemasan dan Trauma, Hospital Lahad Datu answers the calling to lead the way and organize the very first Sabah State Course on Wilderness Emergency. It is our sincere hope that this pilot project will achieve its objective and pave the way for future similar, more extensive courses.

For this inaugural Wilderness Emergency Course, we will focus on Underwater Emergency.It is a known fact that Sabah remains a very popular place for snorkelers, SCUBA divers and beach lovers. There are many reported cases of diving related injury, bites and envenomation by marine animals as well as traumatic injuries while doing recreational activities, both on, and underwater.

Therefore, it is our aim that this course will address the issues above in detail in order to improve our healthcare service in managing underwater-related injuries.

Hence, i would extend my gratitude for joining our inaugural Wilderness Emergency Course. I hope all of us will learn something new here. Take this opportunity to explore beautiful sceneries in lahad Datu. 

DR MUHAMAD NA’IM BIN AB RAZAK

Chairman of Kelab Rekreasi & Kebajikan Jabatan Kecemasa & Trauma HLD.

Chairman of

FIRST SABAH STATE ON WILDERNESS EMERGENCY.