IsraAID, St. John Association partner to deliver training, equipment for First Aid certification in Dominica

Non-governmental humanitarian organization IsraAID Dominica recently collaborated with the  St. John Association–a St Lucia-based volunteer disaster response group–in a notable effort to bolster Dominoca’s capacity for emergency response and disaster readiness.

According to a press release from the IsraAID, Dominica has successfully conducted training sessions resulting in 12 individuals achieving certification as instructors in First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) usage.

These newly accredited instructors, who were trained following the standards set by the St. John Association, are now authorized to provide certified First Aid training to others across the island. This development is expected to promote widespread dissemination of lifesaving skills within local communities, educational institutions, and emergency response teams.

To facilitate practical learning experiences, IsraAID formally donated two Professional Manikin Collection Kits to the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) and the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services. Each kit comprises adult, child, and infant manikins, along with AED training devices, offering realistic simulation opportunities for responders and community leaders alike.

Wayne Letang, Chief Fire Officer, stated, “Such initiatives align perfectly with the Division’s goal to enhance staff preparedness in responding to medical and trauma emergencies, while also equipping citizens with vital knowledge and life-saving skills. The Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services Division commends IsraAID as a valued partner and friend. We have worked together in the past and will continue on this path to ensure our citizens can live in a safer, more resilient environment.”

“I want to sincerely thank IsraAID for allowing me the opportunity to enhance my confidence, skills, and readiness to assist in emergencies. This First Aid training will benefit me personally and empower me to better serve my community and, by extension, my country, Dominica,” remarked one of the newly trained instructors, Primrose David of the ODM.

Fire Officer Popo, another new instructor, added, “The training was very informative; it broadened my knowledge and strengthened some of my skills. I appreciate the training, facilitators, and IsraAID for exposing my colleagues and me to this kind of learning.”

He further stated that the training increased his confidence, and expressed enthusiasm to continue training with IsraAID in the future.

Fire Officer Cadette from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services also commented, “Such donations demonstrate the strength of the partnership between your NGO and the Fire Services. This effort enhances our ability to deliver improved training through more effective presentations and practical demonstrations, benefiting both our internal trainees and the wider community.”

IsraAID shared that this is part of a broader strategy to enhance community resilience and disaster preparedness, aiming to ensure that more individuals are capable of responding swiftly and effectively during emergencies.

Craig Fabien, Programme Officer at the Office of Disaster Management, extended gratitude, stating, “…This training is a vital step in strengthening our capacity to equip community responders with essential skills for effective emergency response. The positive impact of this initiative will be reflected in increased community preparedness and resilience. IsraAID’s partnership is deeply appreciated.”