Over twenty registered nurses, paramedics and police officers that participated in the U.S. Tactical Medics Training have graduated from the 9-day course carried out by the Soifua Manuia Medics.
The ceremony celebrating this achievement happened at the Faleata Fire Station on Tuesday afternoon.
Three special awards were announced at the event;
1. The Distinguished leadership award for the individual that went above and beyond to lead his classmates and leading them at the exercise.
Tofi Mauala
2. Distinguished Honours graduate, the individual who scored the highest in all their assessments, and passed all practical tests on the first try and who is also a leader in their practical exercises and practical achievements.
Perise Fepuleai
3. The third award for his effort, time that contributed to the success to the course and his care for the individuals in the class and their success.
Staff Sergeant Alex
TRAINING
This training was the Trauma Med I – EMS course involving the Trauma Technician Additional Skills Identifier (TTASI) and was as 50-hour program designed to enhance pre-hospital management of trauma and mass casualty situations and was inspired by the Army’s Combat Lifesaver course aiming to improve survival outcomes for those injured in such emergencies.
Chief Medical NCO of the 9th MSC Terry Larson, told Savali News the training focused on teaching the participants about dealing with traumatic injuries above and beyond especially in a scenario where there are mass causalities and in other incidents like natural disasters.
He said the participants were very pleased with what was conducted and they learnt a lot especially where there were some things they had no real experience with such as chest related injuries chest penetrating injuries and a lot of things trauma specific.
Trainees were taught to address not just the injuries and condition of the injured but their mental status, and this was done by considering the environment, treatment and safety so that EMTs are able to apply and address condition of each patient and finding out what that is and placing each patient in a different category.
The team will be back to train the same group says Chief Medical NCO Larson in June and July for advance courses where Level 1 will be reviewed before delving into level 2 and then continuing with level 3 in July.
“This isn’t the end but the beginning as we have empowered you with new skills and knowledge, we want you to take that, remember what you have been taught, don’t forget the best thing you can do is whatever you do and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
He extended his appreciation to the trainees for their dedication and hard work and noted his team of 4 were grateful to have spent the time with them.
EMT TACTICAL MEDICS, POLICE OFFICERS AND MOH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NURSES
Chair of FESA’ Board of Directors Aiono Meresaini Siaosi Laulua in her keynote address acknowledged the EMT Emergency Nurses of the Ministry of Health, EMT officers of FESA and police officers from the Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services for their dedication and commitment to the training.
She also extended her appreciation to the Soifua Manuia Medics team who were instructors of the training and acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the trainees journeys.
“These experts and professionals have gone above and beyond to impart their knowledge skills and experiences ensuring [the] trainees of today are equipped to face challenges that lay ahead,” said Aiono.
“Their unwavering commitment to your training and dedication to excellence have been instrumental in your success, the Soifua Manuia team’ expertise in emergency medical services combined with their passion for teaching created an environment where knowledge is shared, skills are honed and personal growth is nurtured.”
The training curriculum was put together tirelessly by the team of 4 which was not just comprehensive and rigorous but tailored to the needs of EMT FESSA Tactic Medics and Police Officers and the MOH emergency nurses.
She said the guidance of the Soifua Manuia Medics unit provides the trainees with tools necessary to navigate complex and the ever evolving landscape of emergency response work.
“Soifua Manuia served as mentors, role models and inspired values of compassion and team work and resilience in the field of emergency prehospital response.”
Addressing the graduates Aiono told them ‘today marks an additional chapter in your lives, a chapter where you will be called on to serve and protect, to be a guiding light in time of darkness and uncertainty’.
She reminded them their new knowledge and skills places them in the forefront of emergency response and their ability to work as a team and effectively adapt to the ever changing circumstances, will be their greatest asset as they embark on this challenging path.
“Remember the weight of responsibility you carry, the lives you will touch, the families you will console, and the communities you will protect,” she said.
Noting her full confidence that they will excel if they serve and live up to it with integrity, courage and unwavering dedication to your duty.
“Tactical Medics first response team may your journey be filled with courage, compassion and resilience. You have made the community immensely proud of your accomplishment.”
GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HONE NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Emani Paulo Nuuvalu, Registered Nurse with the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Department, told the Savali News that the skills honed from the training will go a long way when faced with casualties out on the field.
“Learning this I will be able to save a life, save a person in a chaotic situation,” said nurse Nuuvalu.
Grateful for the knowledge and skills gained from the training Nuuvalu says one of the key take away for him from the training is the application of first aid as first response in chaotic situations and importantly, which is a huge part of his work as an emergency nurse and saving lives is how to stop massive bleeding.
Nuuvalu says this will be a great help in ‘my profession and I can apply it to anyone in need’ now that the skills and knowledge have been attained
Brigadier General Mark Siekman congratulated the team but reminded them their ‘journey does not end today’.
“Although exercise is over, you need to take that knowledge and take that experience and talk amongst yourselves.”
He urged them to continue to rehearse, to train because what American has been able to do in terms of education and expertise – is something that is a value to their your community, to your loved ones, friends, families and your parents.
“We will continue this programme. Thank you for being very supportive for my team who obviously did an outstanding job and looking forward to doing this again and to build our partnership, where relationships have already been built. Thank you all and remember your journey does not end today.”
Authored by Jasmine Netzler-Iose