FIVE Guyanese are now well-equipped with the requisite skills to function as members of a Search & Rescue (SAR) Rear Crew, following the completion of a rigorous training programme, which lasted for six and a half months.
Their commitment to this programme was acknowledged during a graduation ceremony at the OHI/Omni Helicopters Hanger, Ogle Airport, on Wednesday evening.

In an address on behalf of the graduates, Ishwar Parhbu, one of the participants, told the gathering that they were exposed to a rigorous and dynamic training programme hinged primarily on their physical ability in the water, from icy cold to humid temperatures which tested their reach.

He added that they started their training, which was made possible through a partnership between Omni Helicopters and ExxonMobil, in a pool to hone their skills in swimming after which they were introduced to the more complex search and rescue methods via the helicopter using the basket method.
Prabhu related that as a team, the participants bonded for the common purpose, and they encouraged each other through a moral support system to become successful.
Daniel Yorris, another participant, spoke about the training journey and heaped praises on the training team of five that guided them throughout the process.
Owing to their success, he said it was time to apply the knowledge to embrace change for growth as a team.

Yorris related that they will equip themselves with empathy and integrity to fulfill their mandate as a crucial team that supports rescue helicopters.
During the ceremony, the five graduates were presented their certificates for successfully completing the programme.
Giving an overview of the course, Chris Mackay said the five graduates successfully completed an extensive training programme to prepare them for the tasks ahead.
He related that their training began in January this year, and the aim was to equip the Guyanese team with crucial skills through exposure to extreme environments both locally and overseas.
They received hands-on training on land and in the water under the guidance of expert trainers.

Omni Country Manager, Peter Gay, told the gathering that the Helicopter Search and Rescue Course was a highly coordinated training programme geared towards sharing expertise.
He pointed out that at Omni Helicopters, 50 per cent of the workforce is Guyanese and the company remains committed to promoting partnerships to outfit the locals with the required training they need for maximum on-the-job performance with the company.
Director of Omni Helicopter, Gerald Gouveia Jr., in his remarks, said he was very pleased with the OHI/ExxonMobil partnership to make the programme a possibility.
He urged the group to set high standards for others to follow, and by leading by example, they will follow the Omni helicopters way of excellence with safety first.

The training team which was also instrumental in performing a life-saving evacuation of a patient suffering from cardiac arrest, via helicopter, was awarded for their team effort and medical intervention in saving a life.
The persons equipped with the crucial skills are Parhbu, Yorris, Kevin Sawh, Curt Mendonca, and the lone female, Johnelle Ogle.