40 AFM personnel have received advanced first aid and emergency training provided by the US Defence Institute for Medical Operations.
A four-person Mobile Training Team provided the training to the AFM personnel. The first week’s training provided Basic First Responder Training, with students learning the fundamental concepts of personnel safety, scene assessment, triage and injured population care. The second week offered Lifesaving Skills for Medics, which included advanced techniques for emergency medical care, managing critically injured patients and stabilizing traumatic injuries allowing transport to definite care facilities. The training was funded by the International Military Education and Training Programme.
The two-week programme culminated in a simulation held this morning at the Maritime Squadron base in Haywharf. US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley took part in the simulation, acting out the role of an injured person aboard the AFM’s P-61 patrol boat. The training was made more realistic by the use of special effects make-up and firecrackers.
An AFM team boarded and secured the vessel. Then three teams of medics went on board to care for the injured seamen and boarding team members.
The training courses support the AFM’s ongoing preparations and capacity for crises and disaster response, including provision of emergency medical care connected with migration, interdictions, search and rescue and humanitarian operations.
Speaking after the demo, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said he was thankful for the training provided by the United States, which have always supported the Armed Forces of Malta, including with the donation of two Protector Class patrol boats. He described the training as being invaluable to Maltese soldiers.
“Investment in the human resources and skills of our soldiers, is a priority for this Government to the extent that in the past two years over 170 AFM members have enhanced their specialised capabilities and their military career prospects thanks to an investment of more than €660,000 in training abroad”, said Minister Abela. Professional and technical training has been provided in military academies in over 20 different countries including in the U.S.A, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Morocco and England.
The US Ambassador said the personnel taking part in the simulation were unaware that she would be among the “injured” but had acted in a professional manner. Training Maltese soldiers to save lives is part of our partnership with Malta, she said. “Our excellent bilateral relationship enables us to collaborate and promote our mutual interest in a safe and secure Mediterranean. The United States is proud to support the AFM’s commendable efforts to save lives at sea.”
Photos: Jonathan Borg