Five Aspiring Managers Die During Indonesian Military-Style Training; Doctor Cautions on Program Adaptation

Five aspiring managers for Indonesia's village cooperatives have died during a military-style basic training program. The deaths, attributed to various medical causes including cardiac arrest, heat stroke, tuberculosis complications, and pneumonia exacerbated by hypertension and obesity, have raised concerns about the program's intensity and suitability for civilian participants.

Dr. Dany Azzam Ardian, spokesperson for the Indonesian Doctors' Health Facilities Association (HIFDI), stressed the critical need for training programs to be adapted to participants' individual conditions, determined through initial assessments. He advised against sudden, strenuous physical activities, especially in hot weather, for civilian trainees. Adequate rest periods, sufficient hydration, and vigilant monitoring for danger signs are essential, along with readily available medical personnel and emergency evacuation procedures.

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Participants with comorbidities or those not yet fit should receive a modified training program.

"Participants with comorbidities or those not yet fit should receive a modified training program," Dr. Azzam stated. He further highlighted the importance of comprehensive health screenings before high-intensity physical training. This includes a thorough medical history review, complete physical examination, vital signs check, and at minimum, an electrocardiogram (EKG) for cardiac assessment. For activities requiring high fitness levels, a treadmill test may be necessary.

Dr. Azzam also recommended pre-participation medical check-ups that include chest X-rays, basic laboratory tests (blood count, liver and kidney function), and gradual physical fitness assessments. Individuals found with uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, active infections like tuberculosis, or other risk-increasing medical conditions should postpone participation until cleared by medical professionals.

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The training program needs to be adjusted to the participants' conditions based on the initial assessment.