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THE French Fire Service under the French Embassy for Guyana and Suriname yesterday held a simulation exercise as part of the training course for members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) at GFS headquarters in Georgetown where both practical and theory was realised. 
Two demonstrations were held yesterday for the media, in which fire fighters, both male and female, participated.
Speaking on behalf of the French Fire Service, Mr. Melvin Honwen told reporters that the team consists of three instructors and the Police Attaché for Guyana and Suriname, Jean Yves Le Clech, who is spearheading the training sessions for the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, and the Guyana Defence Force.
He added that the Emergency First Responders, First Aid for road traffic accidents and other emergencies, began on Monday and will conclude on Thursday.
So far, about 20 fire fighters were trained.
Honwen stated that the French Embassy programme is to assist Guyana and Suriname national security – police, fire, ambulance, prisons, prosecutors, magistrates and others to improve their response to emergencies, since they are usually first responders.
He added that the programme has been ongoing for four years and training has been given to the Fire Service of Suriname and Guyana and there would be follow-up training in France.
Honwen noted that the demonstrations include an unconscious victim being moved to a recovery position, and a victim lying unconscious on his stomach being placed on his side and lifted on to a stretcher.
He told reporters yesterday that firefighters had both theory and practical training sessions and today they learn how to cut open a vehicle and extradite an injured occupant at an accident scene.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Winston McGregor, said that the training will be of tremendous benefit to GFS.
He noted that firefighters are being trained to provide First Aid until the more qualified medical personnel arrive.
McGregor said, “We want to thank the French Fire Service for their cooperation in the bilateral relations they share with Guyana. They have been of great help over many years and we look forward to the continued support.”
When asked whether the GFS will re-introduce the ambulance service, McGregor said that negotiations with the relevant authorities are going on in this matter.
Two demonstrations were held yesterday for the media, in which fire fighters, both male and female, participated.Speaking on behalf of the French Fire Service, Mr. Melvin Honwen told reporters that the team consists of three instructors and the Police Attaché for Guyana and Suriname, Jean Yves Le Clech, who is spearheading the training sessions for the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Fire Service, and the Guyana Defence Force.
He added that the Emergency First Responders, First Aid for road traffic accidents and other emergencies, began on Monday and will conclude on Thursday.
So far, about 20 fire fighters were trained.
Honwen stated that the French Embassy programme is to assist Guyana and Suriname national security – police, fire, ambulance, prisons, prosecutors, magistrates and others to improve their response to emergencies, since they are usually first responders.
He added that the programme has been ongoing for four years and training has been given to the Fire Service of Suriname and Guyana and there would be follow-up training in France.
Honwen noted that the demonstrations include an unconscious victim being moved to a recovery position, and a victim lying unconscious on his stomach being placed on his side and lifted on to a stretcher.
He told reporters yesterday that firefighters had both theory and practical training sessions and today they learn how to cut open a vehicle and extradite an injured occupant at an accident scene.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Winston McGregor, said that the training will be of tremendous benefit to GFS.
He noted that firefighters are being trained to provide First Aid until the more qualified medical personnel arrive.
McGregor said, “We want to thank the French Fire Service for their cooperation in the bilateral relations they share with Guyana. They have been of great help over many years and we look forward to the continued support.”
When asked whether the GFS will re-introduce the ambulance service, McGregor said that negotiations with the relevant authorities are going on in this matter.
McGregor said, hopefully, the 2013 budget will include funds for an ambulance for the GFS.
