Colombo -- Medical personnel from the U.S. Pacific Command partnered with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Ministry of Health to provide emergency medical training in Addu Atoll, January 29 to February 2. The training increased the capacity of Maldivian first responders to save lives in the event of a medical emergency.

“The United States is proud to support Maldivian efforts to strengthen emergency response and provide basic life support services,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Atul Keshap. “We will continue to partner with Maldives on this critically important lifesaving medical training.”

Members of the MNDF Southern Area Command, Hithadoo Regional Hospital, and Maldivian Red Crescent participated in the training in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll in Maldives. Topics included emergency trauma care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, triage, and transportation. First responder training is particularly crucial for remote islands, as it can take hours to transport a trauma patient to a medical facility. The U.S. Pacific Command will provide the next training exercise in Haa Atoll, the northernmost atoll in Maldives.