Eleuthera Bahamas– From February 28 through March 3, South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP) hosted training for ambulance volunteers and fire truck drivers and operators at its Tarpum Bay location. This training was largely funded by a grant from the Cotton Bay Fund for South Eleuthera.

During the four day training, participants acquired knowledge and skills administered through lectures and hands on activity delivered by instructors Cedrick Cash and Frederick Johnson of the Public Hospitals Authority Emergency Medical Service in New Providence and Terrance Outtenof theRoyal Bahamas Defense Force Fire Services.

Emergency First Responders (EMR) and Fire Truck operations were among the courses delivered.  EMR consisted of training in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and management of various injuries. During the Fire Truck operations training participants learned how to identify various parts of the Fire Truck and how to properly drive and maintain the vehicle.

Multiple departments on the island worked together to make this training happen. These included government officials, police officers, doctors and nurses.  Nurse Bernadette Colebrook N0 11 CEN, also assisted with training and coordinating trainers from New Providence.

The last day of training was one of the most critical and interesting part of training.  On Saturday March 3rd, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was staged at Tarpum Bay Park.  The scenario consisted of a stadium where an explosion occurred. Volunteers reimagined the basketball court into that stadium and they were called on to respond.  The MCI was made successful by young people in the community who eagerly played victims.

At the end of it all, 12 volunteers successfully completed training.

“We were very excited to be back on Eleuthera training eager volunteers.  The training was a success and volunteers had the opportunity to heighten their EMS knowledge”, said trainer Cedrick Cash.

“Training was a very informative and engaging experience. I begin training with only an interest in assisting and now I’m a trained Emergency Medical Responder! The trainers were amazing, they gave us a great foundation to have a positive influence in our communities.” said Ronique Carey, Board Member of SEEP.

South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization created to provide fire and medical emergency transportation services, as well as outreach programs to the communities of South Eleuthera. For more information on this and other SEEP activities call 242-334-4630 or 242-470-5785 or visit us on Facebook.

Check out all the photos here!: https://www.facebook.com/pg/South-Eleuthera-Emergency-Partners-SEEP-167956363268276/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1784830068247556