Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the First Aid Instructor Training in Haiti Project aims to build the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to respond to accidents and injuries with basic first aid, and provide an awareness to emergency preparedness management in order to anticipate disasters and other crisis situations more appropriately.
The idea for the project began with a group of committed St John Ambulance volunteers who were either working with the Canadian Forces or as part of the Canadian CIVPOL contingent to the UN Mission (MINUSTAH) in Haiti. These volunteers decided to provide basic First Aid Instructor training to a small number of HNP volunteers. They found that first aid training for the HNP was limited in its delivery and uneven in the use of training standards. Furthermore, without a consistent source of training supplies and material, it was understood that basic first aid skills could not continue to be taught to the HNP.
The Haitian National Police acts as the primary First Responder organization throughout the country. It is responsible for police, ambulance services, border protection, fire-fighting, correctional services and the coast guard. However, they were unable to respond to two particularly devastating events which underscored the need for a formal program: first, the collapse of a school in Port-au Prince in November 2008; and second, the earthquake of January 2010. At both, the HNP were unprepared to respond with medical assistance.
As such, a formal project proposal to DFAIT was initiated and agreed, with intentions to build upon the base already established by the volunteers. The First Aid Instructor Training in Haiti program, signed in August 2010, is designed to 'cascade' through the HNP through an increasing number of trained instructors. Over a two year period, it is envisioned that approximately 50 Instructor trainers, 450 instructors and 7000 HNP officers will be trained. The project will encompass all branches of the HNP, including policing, firefighters, coast and border guards, and correctional services.
To carry out this work, there will be a small team of individuals in Haiti. This will include a Project Manager, and a locally-engaged Administrative Officer and 3 Liaison Officers. An Emergency Preparedness Officer will complete the team in June 2011. The EP Officer will increase the professionalism of the HNP through the provision of additional training in emergency scene management based on international standards. The latter will target four hundred middle-to-senior-level HNP managers for training over a period of a year. A Desk Officer, based at NHQ, will act as an intermediary to support the team and ensure that the necessary monitoring and reporting of activities is made.
Supporting the stabilization of Haiti is a priority for Canada. The provision of these two training programs supports Canada's contributions to the UN mission in Haiti, specifically its enhancement of police skills. St John Ambulance looks forward to supporting the work being done in Haiti by offering a first aid training program, specifically designed for the first responder community in Haiti. It is hoped that the participants will have the necessary skills to protect and serve their fellow citizens over the long-term.
News / Events
April 21, 2011 : St. John Ambulance Chancellor visits Haiti
November 4, 2010: St. John Ambulance launches first aid training with Haitian National Police
December 2011: Saving lives now and in thefuture – St John Canada’s work in Haiti
Media Links
Haiti - Canada : PNH trained in first aid
On November 18th, Radio Centre-ville’s Valérie Mathis will be talking to Clive Law, one of our dedicated St John volunteers, about the beginnings of the First Aid Instructor Training in Haiti project, and the actual situation on the ground in Haiti. (www.radiocentreville.com)
Photos
First Aid Instructor Development Training – April 2011 - Photos