NEMA Tobago presented its Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Programme, which supported recertification of its CERT Technicians and Staff. Persons were trained in the correct techniques and procedures used in administering Basic Life Support.  The training period was from January 29th to February 1st 2008, at Caroline Building #2 Conference Room, Scarborough, Tobago.

The Training also targeted the following entities: Shelter Management Teams, NEMA Tobago CERT Technicians / General Staff, Community Base Organizations (CBOs)  and State Agencies / Institutions eg. Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago & Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

Objectives:

To ensure that Agencies and Institutions in Tobago are equipped to assist in the preservation of human life.   This intervention is intended to create the peace of mind  in the populace that there can be help at almost every turn should an emergency occur.

The team of facilitators from Heart Associates was headed and coordinated by Ms. Ramona Ramdin.  She was assisted by the following Instructors: Ren wick Mc Cave, Isa Seastes, Earl Hernandez, Raheina Reyes, Jewel Trancoso, Terence Alexander, Dr. Curtis Sonny, Dr. Ramona Fridie and Ian Ross.

Understanding CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation): Cardio means heart, Pulmonary means lungs, and Resuscitation means breathing for someone. When a rescuer is performing CPR, he/she is attempting to bring the person back to life (resuscitation). CPR is performed on someone who is not breathing and has no pulse (circulation). During CPR, the rescuer does chest compressions which simulates the heart beating and allows blood to continue flowing throughout the body. The rescuer also ventilates (breathes) for the person by putting his/her mouth over the victim's mouth, pinches the nose shut and then breathes into the patient's mouth. By performing ventilations, you are allowing the victim to obtain oxygen from your breaths and then deliver that oxygen through the pulmonary system (lungs). By performing compressions, the patient's heart is compressed between the spine and breastbone (sternum) and this allows blood carrying oxygen to be pumped to and from the lungs and the rest of the body.

The Following Photos, highlights the Training Program as participants practice the fundamentals of (BLS):

Tuesday 29th January 2008
Mouth-to-mouth Resuscitation	Chest Compressions	Breaths followed by Compressions		Use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Thursday 31st January 2008 Participants came from the following organizations: ADRA, Coast Guard, WASA, CAST, NEMA Tobago Office Staff (OJT's)
				Use of the Bag Mask System
Mouth Mask used separately
Tuesday 19th February 2008 21 Participants came from various Village Councils across Tobago: Castara, Pembroke, Mason Hall, Les Coteaux, Delaford, Calder Hall and Speyside. Instructors were: Ramona Ramdin, Ian Ross and Bernadine Bruce
Thursday 21st February 2008 18 Participants attended from the Department of Social Services and Schools.
Friday 22nd February 2008 15 Participants attended from the Aging Unit under the Department of Social Services and Care Givers of Pre-Schools.
Wednesday 27th February 2008 22 Participants attended from the following organizations: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Department of Social Service (THA), Schools, NEMA Tobago CERT, Lanse Fourmi & Mason Hall Village Councils. Six (6) Instructors conducted the training: Ian Ross, Ramona Ramdin, Jewel Transcoso, Isa Searles, Bernadine Bruce  and Ramona Friday.
Thursday 28th February 2008 16 Participants attended from the following Organizations: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Department of Social Service (THA), Schools, (Moriah, Buccoo and Castara Village Councils. Seven (7) Instructors conducted the training: Ian Ross, Ramona Ramdin, Isa Searles, Bernadine Bruce, Jewel Transcoso, Earl Hernandez and Ren wick Mc Cave.
Friday 29th February 2008 14 Participants attended from the following organizations: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Department of Social Services, Pembroke Village Council, Schools and NEMA Tobago Support. Six (6) Instructors: Ian Ross, Ramona Ramdin, Isa Searles and Bernadine Bruce, Jewel Transcoso, Ren wick Mc Cave.
Tuesday 11th March 2008 13 Participants attended from the following organizations: Division of Social Services-(Ageing Unit), School, Delaford & Patience Hill Village Councils, GI Enterprise. Facilitators- Isa Searles, Dr. Ramona Fridie and Ramona Ramdin.
		Manager of the Division of Social Services (Ageing Unit)- Ms. Benozt
Wednesday 12th March 2008 23 Participants attended from the following organizations: Division of Social Services-(Ageing Unit); Glen Road, Patience Hill, Delaford and Glamorgan Village Councils; GI Enterprise and Community Development. Instructors- Isa Searles, Dr. Ramona Fridie, Ramona Ramdin and Bernadine Bruce.