TRAINING and capacity building remain critical components in the overall strategy of improving the hospitality and tourism sector in Guyana.

And so the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated two days of first aid training for tour guides from various companies, including Wilderness Explorers, Wonderland Tours, Dagron Tours, Rainforest Tours and Old Fort Tours, This exercise formed part of the first phase of first aid training this year.
These sessions, conducted by Mr. Railton Evelyn from St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, fit into the requirement (Tour Guide Regulation) that all tour guides in the industry must be trained and equipped with a valid first aid certificate.
Several of the areas covered during the two day sessions on May 17 and 18 included guidelines of first aid, emergency scene management, primary survey steps, making a diagnosis, signs and symptoms, fractures, wounds and bandages, – types of wounds, bleeding, causes and remedial actions.
Practical sessions also formed part of the training – here attendees were given the opportunity to put theory into practise and to demonstrate their skills in administering CPR and the application of bandages.
Upon completion of the training sessions, the guides will receive a certificate from the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, which is valid for three years.
The GTA recognizes that the knowledge of first aid, particularly among tour guides, promotes a healthy, secure and a safer environment, and instills confidence amongst visitors, tourists, their colleagues and associates using the services of the local operators.
According to the GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, industry stakeholders need to develop an appreciation for rules and regulations and recognise that adherence to them by all concerned parties is vital for the proper functioning and development of Guyana’s tourism industry.
Alluding specifically to the importance of first aid training, he said “It is important for tour guides to be able to render assistance whenever necessary. Given the nature of our terrain, it is reassuring to have a guide who can administer appropriate first aid care, as the first responders in case of an emergency.”
He noted too that the GTA is striving to prepare the local businesses to become more competitive and to ensure that these establishments and operations meet the minimum requirements expected by any tourist or visitor at any one of these facilities.