Marine Seaman Deon Dames and Woman Marine Myiesha Gibson controlling and stopping the bleeding by applying bandages in a simulation exercise during the American Heart Association First Aid and CPR Training at the Coral Harbour Base. Assisting with instructions is the Defence Force’s Medical Center Instructor Leading Seaman Kevin Smith. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

Coral Harbour Base, (RBDF): Sixty Marines from the Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) are better equipped to render medical assistance to those in need after recently completing the American Heart Association First Aid and CPR Training at the Coral Harbour Base.

The course consisted of three modules which included Medical Emergency, Injury Emergency and Environmental Emergency. The course enhances medical training relevant to pre-hospital care to help preserve life until the patient receives higher medical attention.

Participants were taught both theoretical and practical aspects of the training. Some of them included External Bleeding and Treatment of various types of Wounds, Bites and Stings, Treating Poisons, and Treating Strokes, Heart Attack, Choking and Seizures.

Woman Marine Jamie Skippings was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the training which will enhance her day to day operations on the job.

Marine Seaman Alvin Seymour and Woman Marine Lavendar Woodside performing CPR training in a simulation exercise during the American Heart Association First Aid and CPR Training at the Coral Harbour Base. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

“The course has been knowledgeable and insightful, and if someone on the job loses consciousness, I will know what to do”, said Skippings. “I have a child, and in the case of a medical emergency, I won’t panic because I now know the steps to deal with the situation. When it comes to things like diabetes and stroke, I have been taught the signs and symptoms for treating an individual”.

The course was conducted by the Defence Force’s Medical Center Instructors in keeping with the Commander Defence Force's intent to improve the welfare of RBDF personnel, as well as those in their care. Participants were taught the basic procedures for treating medical emergencies should the need arise. With persons being deployed at sea and outstations, they are now certified to perform first aid to their shipmates.

The RBDF Medical Center is headed by Dr. Francis Saunders, the Force Medical Officer.  According to Petty Officer Mackey, a supervisor at the Center and course instructor, the intent of the training is to ensure that all members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force be certified with this knowledge in the field. On completion of the course, each participant were issued a certification card, which has to be renewed within 2 years.