A series of search and rescue courses are now being held in Anguilla under the theme “so that others may live.” The training resulted from consultations between the Essential Services Sub-Committee of the National Disaster Management Committee and the Department of Disaster Management over the past year.

Two sections of the Course participants

The three-week period of training began on Monday, February 8 at the Teachers’ Resource Centre, culminating in graduation on March 29. The training is designed to enhance the search and rescue capabilities of first respondents in Anguilla.

The courses covered Incident Command Systems, Search & Rescue Techniques, Hazardous Materials, Over-The Side/High Angle Rescue, Rope Rescue, Cribbing & Shoring and other techniques.

Mr. Mobley

A press release from the Department of Disaster Management in Anguilla stated: “As the recent earthquake in Haiti has shown, it is important not only to be prepared but also have a good working relationship between agencies and neighbouring countries. To this end, the outcome of the final phase of this capacity development programme will be two teams of 6 firefighters and team leaders who will be certified to the International Search and Rescue Advisor Group standard for Level 1 Urban Search and Rescue. Each team will be further inclusive of a fire fighter and a team leader from the Dutch Territory of St. Maarten.

Ms. Armantrading of Disaster Preparedness

“Although Anguilla’s Fire & Rescue Service and St. Maarten’s Fire Service will be the main recipients of the training, a Hazardous Materials Awareness Course will also be held for up to 100 [participants from the] Anguilla Fire & Rescue Service, Royal Anguilla Police Force, LIME, SOL, Delta Petroleum, ANGLEC, Caribbean Cable Communications, Fisheries, Emergency Medical Services, Customs, Department of Environment, Environmental Health and DDM personnel.”

Another section of Course participants

The instructors for all the courses are Ron Mobley and Dwayne Straun of Siren Consulting, based in the US Virgin Islands. The programme is being funded by a grant from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under sponsorship by His Excellency Governor Alistair Harrison.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News