Sunisa Boonpuan: Thailand's first women's rescue hero with an international award!

Sunisa Boonpuan: Thailand's first women's rescue hero with an international award!

In Chiang Mai, a new star has ignited in the sky of water rescue. Sunisa Boonpuan, a dedicated official from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, is the first Thai woman to successfully obtain international certification in professional water rescue operations. This milestone in her career was celebrated at the renowned International Search and Rescue Training Center in China, one of the largest and most respected rescue schools in the world. A total of 32 rescue workers from Thailand, China, Laos and Malaysia took part in this demanding training, which aimed to raise water rescue standards to international benchmarks.

The training was anything but a walk in the park. Sunisa braved both physical and psychological tests that simulated real-life emergency scenarios in the water. Participants were required to complete extensive hands-on training in areas such as rope rescue, rapid water rescue and advanced firefighting. These experiences are of great importance not only for their personal development, but also for the safety of the people in their homeland.

A role model in our community

Sunisa’s journey into the world of water rescue began, like many others, as a volunteer rescuer. She engaged in flood and incident response missions in Chiang Mai, developing her skills and knowledge. Her tireless efforts have not only advanced her own career, but also prompted the Chiang Mai provincial government to publicly thank her for her commitment and sacrifice. Sunisa is now recognized as a role model and representative of Thailand's growing influence on the international rescue stage.

The course Sunisa completed is part of a three-day program offered by Rescue 3 International. It prepares those who work in or on moving water. In classroom sessions, participants learn about hydrology and the dangers of moving water. The practical exercises, such as crossing shallow waters and self-rescue, are essential in order to be able to react correctly in an emergency. To receive such training, participants must meet various requirements, including being at least 18 years old and qualified as a safe swimmer. The entire course costs approximately 13,995 THB. Thailand climbing reports on the details of this course.

Emergency services in Thailand

While Sunisa is establishing itself as a pioneer in water rescue, there is still much work to be done in rescue services in Thailand. The majority of rescue services in Thailand are carried out by volunteers, who often have to provide the necessary equipment on their own. In Thailand, the tasks of emergency services are diverse - from first aid to technical assistance to water rescue. The fire department is primarily responsible for fighting fires and operates independently of the emergency services, which often creates challenges, particularly in terms of equipment and personnel.

The challenges in the Thai rescue service should not be underestimated. In comparison to countries like Germany, there is no emergency doctor system and the vehicles are often equipped variably. These circumstances require a high degree of flexibility and improvisational talent from the emergency services. German rescue service assistance examines these aspects in more detail, in particular the training standards and the current situation in rescue services.

Sunisa Boonpuan is a truly inspiring example for everyone who works to save lives. Her international successes and the commitment she shows to her community set an example for future generations and help raise standards in water rescue and beyond.