February 14, Addu City, Maldives: The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) conducted a week-long medical training exercise at the beginning of February with the Maldives National Defence Force and local civilian first responders, medical staff, and doctors. The training increased inter-operability between medical first responders in Addu City and bolstered disaster readiness capabilities in Maldives.





The training provided included CPR, first aid, stabilizing medical interventions, and water-borne patient transportation and focused on mutual public health operations so that both nations can more effectively assist in the event of crises that endanger public health and safety.
“Thanks to this training, we expanded the horizons of both parties and enhanced our ability to operate together during times of crisis,” said INDOPACOM Medical Advisor George Richards, who was the training’s lead medical instructor. “This cultural and medical exchange strengthens ties between the United States and our Maldivian partners.”
Personnel from the Civil Military Support Element from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and the U.S. Embassy in Colombo have regularly conducted medical training with the Maldives National Defence Force since the Maldives Medical Outreach Program was launched in 2016. The U.S. military works alongside partner nations to increase interoperability, build partner capacity, prevent conflict, and promote peace.