The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in collaboration with the LAMAT-25 Mission, has launched an advanced trauma care training initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s emergency response capabilities. A key component of this year’s mission is the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) training, which runs from February 25-28, 2025.

The specialized program is designed to enhance the readiness of first responders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement officers in handling trauma-related medical emergencies, vehicular accidents, and gunshot wounds. 

Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Delphina Vernor, emphasized the significance of the training in strengthening the country’s ability to manage emergency incidents efficiently.

“This training focuses on critical skills in a combat setting; however, it’s very applicable to our environment. We have a cross-section of individuals participating, including EMTs, firefighters, Marine Police, emergency room physicians, and nurses. 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. Participants are being equipped with the necessary skills to protect lives until patients can be transported to a hospital setting,” stated Dr. Vernor.

The shift to hands-on training allows participants to actively engage with the material, refining their skills under the guidance of expert trainers. This practical approach not only reinforces learning but also ensures that each participant gains the confidence and competence needed to execute these skills effectively.

“We started with a theoretical portion of the training. Of course, before you can go into something, you need to know why you're doing what you're doing. So, we had the didactic sessions at the beginning of the week. And today we're focusing mainly on the practical sessions. Everything that we learn, we're getting to put into practice. Everyone is getting an opportunity to practice those skills and ensure that they're capable. We have our trainers who are overlooking and being able to assist as we go along. So, this provides hands-on training that is essential,” explained Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Delphina Vernor.

The training brings together 20 participants from Saint Jude Hospital, Millennium Heights Medical Complex, Primary Health Care, the Marine Unit, the Fire Service, and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, equipping them with critical pre-hospital emergency care skills.

Through this initiative, emergency personnel are gaining hands-on experience with life-saving techniques essential for pre-hospital care. 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.