Guyana’s disaster response being strengthened with multi-agency training

Healthcare workers and first responders across Guyana  on Monday commenced specialised training aimed at strengthening the country’s disaster response capacity.

The programme being delivered through the Southern Command Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission and the University of Guyana, focuses on Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS), a globally recognised course designed to equip participants with the skills needed to respond to both natural and man-made emergencies.

Vincent Torres of the University of Miami Global Institute for Community Health and Development said the four-day training provides a high-level understanding of disaster management, covering scenarios ranging from floods and fires to explosions and other hazards.

“We’re talking about preparations for anything from floods and fires to explosives, and, man, other manmade cause disasters. This is going to allow the responders and the medical professionals in the programme to be better prepared to deal with high stress situations and better and improve their response,” Torres said.

He explained that participants will move beyond theory into practical exercises, including triage and emergency care techniques. These include training in the “Stop the Bleed” programme, where responders learn how to control severe bleeding using pressure, wound packing and tourniquets skills critical in both field and hospital settings.

The initiative also incorporates mental health training to help responders better manage stress in high-pressure situations, improving overall emergency response.

Colonel Theodore Liszeski, the Mission Commander, U.S. Air Force explained that the collaboration ensures a seamless chain of care for both on-site and at hospital during crisis.

“We want from ground level, first responder all the way through the healthcare system.

“Starting with the local healthcare providers, training them via Miami University to get those, you know, people stabilized, triaged, bring them to the hospital,” he said.

Minister of Health, Frank Anthony, said the initiative is part of ongoing collaboration with the Liaison Medical Assistance Team and the University of Miami to build local capacity.

He noted that participants include doctors, nurses and representatives from agencies such as the police, Civil Defence Commission and the Guyana Defence Force.

The Minister emphasised that this multi-agency approach will lead to faster, stronger and more coordinated responses during emergencies, ultimately improving outcomes for affected persons.