Disaster can hit at any time and being prepared is key to surviving and recovering from a disaster. A number of first responders benefited from a PFA training held in Barbados 20th-21st July.
The training workshop, led by Dr. Claudina Cayetano, was hosted by the Barbados Department of Emergency Management (DEM) in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The objective was to provide practical tools to first responders in how to provide psychological support, as well as tips on the importance of self and team care. Participants included frontline emergency responders, and personnel from the Ministry of Education in their role as shelter managers.
Captain Robert N. Harewood, Deputy Director (DEM), welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the opportunity of having training as part of their preparedness and response activities. Dr. Dahlia Gibson, clinical psychologist at the Psychiatric Hospital, presented the mental health context in Barbados. Dr. June Price-Humphrey, community psychiatrist, alluded to the history of disasters in the country. During her presentation she stated that Barbados has not experienced major hurricanes or disasters in recent times. The last direct hit was Hurricane Janet in September 1955. However, there have been local events which led to loss of life and have impacted the mental health of the population.
Some of these events include the passage of Tropical Storm Ivan (which later became Hurricane Ivan), the fire at the Glendary Prison, the collapse of a building in which a family died, and a fire at a business where six young women died. PFA training is described as a humane and supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and may need support.
The participation was very active, and the evaluation of the training session was positive. During the second day, a meeting was conducted to discuss the formulation of a national preparedness and response plan in mental health and psychosocial support for disaster situations.
