Embassy of the United States of America
Colombo
PRESS RELEASE
Public Affairs Section
Tel: +94 (1) 249-8100 Fax: +94 (1) 244-9070
Email: VanHornNT@state.gov ● https://mv.usmission.gov/
September 10, Gaafu Alifu Villingili: The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Maldivian Defense Force to introduce first responder training in Gaafu Alifu, Villingili. The sessions, held September 1-5, 2019, trained students, teachers, administrators, and local police on techniques to save lives in a medical emergency. As part of the training, the United States donated $10,000 in medical equipment.
“The United States is proud to work with the MNDF and Ministry of Health to strengthen emergency response capabilities throughout Maldives,” said Captain Austin Thomas from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. “We will continue to support efforts to better serve community needs.”
Participants learned techniques in trauma care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, triage, emergency transportation, and improvised device medical training. The ability to provide life-saving treatment and move patients quickly to higher-level care is critical in remote islands.
The United States Government has conducted medical training with the Maldives National Defense Force since 2016 and has plans to expand the training, as well as to upgrade some Maldivian medical facilities in the coming years. The United States is pleased to work with partner nations to increase cooperation, build capacity, prevent conflict, and promote peace.
