The Druk Gyaltsuen,  Queen of The Kingdom of Bhutan met with the participants of a training for first responders during disasters, held by Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) to commemorate its 2nd Foundation Day and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. 

The ‘Emergency Safety and First Responder During Disaster’ Training was for Taxi Drivers and Bus Drivers. 25 Taxi Drivers were trained, alongside of BCRS dzongkhag coordinators. The training will continue on 9th May, with 25 bus drivers. 

The secretary general of BRCS, Dragyel Tenzin, said that the rationale behind training taxi and bus drivers was because they are often the first on the scene during accidents, and therefore it was useful for them to be mentally prepared and equipped with basic skills, which would enable them to be of help.

The drivers received training on emergency safety, search and rescue, and non-medical first aid. Major Thinley Gyeltshen of the RBA and Dr. Kipchu Tshering were engaged as trainers for the programme. 
The BRCS intends to hold additional sessions to train a larger number of drivers, as well as follow-up intermediate and advanced trainings once the basic sessions have been completed.

Bhutan Red Cross Society was launched in 2017, as a non-profit, autonomous agency that would support the government and other organizations in disaster management, health, and social services. 

The Gyaltsuen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuk is the President of the Bhutan Red Cross Society.