Eleven AFM soldiers have recently successfully completed a Military First Aid Instructors course organised by the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps (ERRC) of Gozo. These new instructors will now in turn be tasked to carry out training to AFM personnel in basic first aid, Automated External defibrillator (AED),Oxygen administration and airway management and the use of Improved First Aid Kit (IFAK).
This training is part of an ongoing AFM programme to have all its force trained in First Aid over the next 3 years. Such skills sets will assist AFM soldiers in their response to civilian incidents and will be able to administer First Aid until more support from dedicated emergency services is forthcoming.
During the certificate award ceremony presided by Col DP Attard Deputy Commander AFM and Dr Raymond Xerri ERRC President, the ERRC also donated a First Aid manikin to the AFM Medical Centre which will be used for basic First Aid training. This donation follows the contribution of oxygen monitoring equipment, neck immobilisation collars, splints, suction units and other useful material donated last year.
Col Stivala Branch Head training for the AFM said, that this course is yet another important step towards optimising the paramedical training of AFM soldiers. “Such skill sets are an important tool when AFM first time responders such as AFM helicopter rescuers are called upon in aid of people in distress.
“Such training held in conjunction with ERRC also aids to the interoperability between both entities. Further specialised training for Air and Maritime rescuers is earmarked to be held along ERRC both in Malta and abroad later on in the year also by means of an EU funded project,” Col Stivala concluded.
Photographs show the 11 AFM soldiers who completed the course Deputy Commander, Colonel David P. Attard with Etienne Micalleff.