Saint Lucia has taken a major step in strengthening its emergency response capabilities with the successful completion of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training for medical personnel and first responders.
Facilitated by the Cross-Functional Team from the US Embassy in Guyana, the specialised training conducted under the LAMAT-25 Mission equips healthcare professionals and emergency responders with advanced trauma care skills applicable in both high-pressure tactical environments and everyday medical emergencies.
Participants received hands-on experience in pre-hospital trauma management, learning life-saving techniques that can make the difference between survival and loss in critical situations.
Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr Delphina Vernor, highlighted the significance of the training in strengthening the country’s ability to manage emergency incidents efficiently.
While it focused on critical skills in a combat setting, she said, “it’s very applicable to our environment”.
The 20 participants included EMTs, firefighters, Marine Police, emergency room physicians, and nurses. They were drawn from Saint Jude Hospital, Millennium Heights Medical Complex, Primary Health Care, the Marine Unit, the Fire Service, and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force
“The aim is to ensure they can effectively respond to incidents in the field, such as motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, and other violent emergencies,” Dr Vernor said.
The shift to hands-on training allowed participants to actively engage with the material, refining their skills under the guidance of expert trainers. That practical approach not only reinforces learning but also ensures that each participant gains the confidence and competence needed to execute these skills effectively.
According to the Ministry of Health, the training reinforces Saint Lucia’s commitment to enhancing its emergency response framework and ensuring that medical and law enforcement teams are well-prepared to manage critical incidents.
