19 officers to undergo search, rescue training

Over the next two weeks, 19 police officers will engage in an Urban Search and Rescue course organized by the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).{{more}}

The course, which is the first of its kind to be held here, was launched on Monday, August 3. It is funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to the tune of US$35,000 and is being held at NEMO’s offices at Old Montrose.

According to Director of NEMO, Howie Prince, St Vincent and the Grenadines only has a search and rescue unit for the seas, a function which is carried out by the Coast Guard. He stated that it was time enough that a similar unit be established for such activities on land.

Commenting on the recent collapse of the wall at the Ratho Mill, which claimed the life of a woman, Prince said that NEMO should not have been the ones to direct an operation of rescue. “That is supposed to be the job of a search and rescue unit and not us,” Prince stated. The director added that he does not want to be in another situation like that, since his agency was ridiculed for stepping in when no one else was.

During the course, the officers will learn about medical first response, vehicular extraction and how to take command of situations.

On completion of the course on August 15, a search and rescue unit will be launched as part of the Fire Service, Prince indicated. He revealed that NEMO has already purchased over US$100,000 worth of material and supplies for the unit. The unit will also be outfit with a truck, provided by the UNDP.

Prince said it is his hope that by the end of the course, the training received by the officers will help in saving lives. He also implored the participants to take the course seriously so that they will be able to put in practice what they learn.

Retired firefighter from North America, Ron Mobley, with 26 years experience is the course facilitator along with Dwayne Straun of St Croix, United States Virgin Islands.