More than 30 emergency first responders underwent training this week to improve their skills in mass casualty management.
The weeklong course was coordinated by the Department of Disaster Management in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation, according to Government Information Services.
DDM Training Officer Carishma Hicks, who participated, said hands-on experience would be provided through several field exercises.
“We want to ensure that participants gain working knowledge of mass casualty triage systems, stabilising victims and coordinating their organised transfer to primary, secondary and tertiary care facilities and an understanding of the impact of natural, technological and social hazards, radio communications, command system, supply management and stress management in disasters,” Ms. Hicks said.
PAHO defines a “mass casualty incident” as a single event that outstrips the community’s ability to respond in a normal way.
The organisation’s response system involves the multi-sector mobilisation of trained personnel to stabilise victims in the field.
The course was conducted by five instructors from the BVI Health Services Authority, Airports Authority and Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services under the guidance of Peter Burgess, PAHO’s quality assurance expert.
At the end of the course, which included an overnight exercise, the trainers were certified as PAHO Mass Casualty Management Instructors, according to GIS.
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