GEORGETOWN, GUYANA 29 OCTOBER 2024- The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) and with support from the PAHO/WHO, successfully conducted the Mass Casualty Management (MCM) training program. The training program lasted 11 days.
Forty-six participants from six essential emergency response agencies participated in the training. This diverse cohort brought together law enforcement officers, firefighters, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) personnel, and healthcare professionals, including medical doctors and nurses from the Ministry of Health. This multi-agency participation shows the comprehensive approach needed for effective emergency response.
Participants received advanced training in emergency response coordination and mass casualty incident management. They developed crucial skills in strategic response planning for various scenarios, including natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, environmental emergencies like chemical spills, and other public health emergencies. The training emphasized practical applications and inter-agency coordination protocols.
This initiative is a significant milestone in Guyana's ongoing commitment to strengthening its emergency response capabilities. The program serves multiple strategic objectives, including enhancing coordination between emergency services, developing a sustainable network of certified trainers, and improving national resilience to mass casualty incidents.
This training concluded with a Field Simulation exercise that covered multiple areas, such as a fire incident, chemical spill, and multiple vehicle accidents.
PAHO/WHO's continued dedication to supporting Guyana's emergency preparedness infrastructure through professional development and inter-agency collaboration demonstrates the success of this program. By creating a robust network of trained professionals across various agencies, Guyana is better positioned to respond effectively to future emergency situations and protect public safety.
