BVI COMPLETES DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING: police, fire and health workers drill major incident procedures

Police officers, firefighters, health workers and other emergency personnel in the Virgin Islands have wrapped up a three-day skills course aimed at improving the Territory's readiness for major incidents and medical emergencies.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development partnered with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and other response agencies to deliver the programme at no cost through the UKHSA Overseas Territories Programme.

The curriculum covered Major Incident Management and First Response Emergency Care, with trainees working on emergency coordination, resource management, patient assessment, trauma care and triage. Participants came from BVIHSA, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service, the Department of Disaster Management, VISAR and the Virgin Islands Airports Authority.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges stressed the need for coordinated action when crises occur. "Major incidents demand coordinated action across multiple agencies. This training provides a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals and emergency responders to learn from internationally recognized experts and strengthen the systems that protect lives during crises," he said.

The course was led by Tim Atherton, a Tactical Incident Commander and National Inter-Agency Liaison Officer at the West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust. Professor Ian Cumming, UK Ambassador for Health to the Overseas Territories and Chairman of the Trust, backed the initiative.

Rodney Brathwaite, Emergency and Disaster Manager at BVIHSA, highlighted the value of agencies working together. "This programme demonstrates the importance of collaboration in building a resilient emergency response system," he said.