Emergency brigades sharpen their alertness |25 May 2017

District emergency brigades from Praslin and La Digue have had the opportunity to widen their knowledge about basic fire fighting and responsiveness towards emergencies.

This was through a training organised by the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government at the Baie Ste Anne fire station on Praslin.  

Conducted over three days, this training aimed at better equipping participants with skills that would better assist them in dealing with emergencies in their respective districts.

It was also an opportunity to identify weaknesses in their current practice and ways on how to improve.

The training comprised a theoretical part which introduced the group to emergency terminologies and risk reduction activities that each member can partake in their daily activities.

The National Emergency Operations Centre’s function was also highlighted so that they have a better understanding of how it operates.

After the theoretical part of the training participants were given the chance to apply their newly acquired  knowledge in a tabletop exercise, where they were given real life scenarios and had to collectively discuss and agree on the most appropriate course of action.

The exercise also served to test their understanding of the training sessions.

“Though we are not satisfied with the turnout of only 14 participants, we are nonetheless content with the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn of those who attended the training. This is the first of a series of training to make the district emergency brigade more efficient during emergencies and help them play their role in their respective communities. District emergency brigades from Mahé have already received this training and we are hoping for better turnout in upcoming sessions,” said Regina Prosper, the senior disaster management officer.

Text and photos by Romano Laurence