Mr. Delwin Ferguson, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Instructor, was in Anguilla recently conducting an Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT) in Disasters Course.

Participants in the Disaster Course

ECAT is a course geared to getting first response and volunteer personnel to a level where they can handle certain trauma cases, such as accidents or injuries, incurred in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane. Also incorporated in the training were some common medical emergencies that affect people. These included heart attack, stroke, respiratory emergencies and seizures.

Mr. Ferguson and Mr. McDowall

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) collaborated with Mr. Steve McDowall, Senior Emergency Medical Technician, in conducting training. Having been previously certified as an instructor, Mr. Ferguson took the opportunity to ensure that Mr. McDowall was recertified by evaluating his performance as a trainer and having him assist. This recertification assures that Anguilla can continue to hold this valuable training utilising in-country expertise.
Mr. Ferguson stated that PAHO’s dream is to see all countries in the entire Caribbean take the ECAT course and to continue to train all the response agencies.

The 40 hour/5-day course took place from 19-23 February and was held at the Conference Room of the Anguilla Tourist Board. Participants were drawn from the Fire Department, Fisheries Department, Anguilla Emergency Services and the Royal Anguilla Police Service.

Mr. McDowall stated that participants responded well to the course and participants stated they were impressed with the presentations and material.

There are plans to continue this training in Anguilla, later in the year.

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