Roseau, Dominica – 30th May 2025: In a significant move to strengthen Dominica’s emergency response and disaster preparedness capabilities, IsraAID Dominica has successfully trained 12 individuals as certified instructors in First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use.
These newly certified instructors, trained under the standards of the St. John Association of Saint Lucia, are now qualified to deliver certified training to others across the island — creating a ripple effect of lifesaving knowledge and skills within communities, schools, and response teams.
To support hands-on learning, IsraAID officially handed over two Professional Manikin Collection Kits to the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) and the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services. Each kit includes adult, child, and infant manikins, as well as AED training devices, providing realistic, practical training opportunities for responders and community leaders alike.
“Such initiatives align perfectly with the Division’s goal to enhance staff preparedness in responding to medical and trauma emergencies, while also equipping citizens with vital knowledge and life-saving skills. The Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services Division commends IsraAID as a valued partner and friend. We have worked together in the past and will continue on this path to ensure our citizens can live in a safer, more resilient environment,” said Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Letang.
“I want to sincerely thank IsraAID for allowing me the opportunity to enhance my confidence, skills, and readiness to assist in emergencies,” said one of the newly trained instructors. “This First Aid training will go a long way—not only benefiting me personally, but also empowering me to better serve my community and, by extension, my country Dominica.” said newly trained instructor of ODM, Primrose David.
A newly trained instructor, Fire Officer Popo added, “The training was very informative it broadened my knowledge and strengthened some of my skills. I appreciate the training, facilitators and IsraAID for exposing my collegues and I to these sorts of training. The training allowed me to address situations with more confidence. I will for sure use this knowledge to train and educate persons in my community, so there are better equipped in case of anything. I am looking forward to many more trainings from IsraAID”
“The ODM’s sincere thanks goes out to IsraAID for their invaluable support in conducting First Aid Training of Trainers in collaboration with the St. John’s Ambulance Service. This training is a crucial step in strengthening our capacity to enable community responders with the necessary skills to respond more effectively in emergencies. The benefits of this initiative will be seen in the enhanced preparedness and resilience of our communities. IsraAID’s partnership is deeply appreciated,” said Craig Fabien, Programme Officer at the Office of Disaster Management.
Fire Officer Cadette from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services added, “Such donations manifest the bond between your NGO and the Fire Services. Such an endeavor shows how valuable our service delivery is. This will enhance our capacity to deliver a much improved training style through emboldened presentations and practical demonstrations to our trainees, both in-house and the wider community.”
This initiative forms part of IsraAID Dominica’s broader commitment to strengthening community resilience and disaster preparedness by ensuring more people are equipped to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies occur.
Notes
IsraAID is a leading international humanitarian non-governmental organization, based
in Israel. Since 2001, IsraAID has become synonymous with a rapid response to humanitarian crises. Its medical teams, post-trauma experts, community specialists
and other professionals have led international responses to disasters and civil strife
around the world. During and after emergencies, IsraAID partners with local
communities to re-build their lives, their communities and their futures, together. As of September 2023, IsraAID has responded to crises in more than 60 countries.
