Eleven graduate as EMTs through HLSCC and BVIHSA initiative

Eleven persons have graduated as certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from a joint training initiative between the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

Six of the awardees received certification as advanced EMT practitioners while five received certification as Basic EMTs in a ceremony which took place at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital on July 28.

According to a release from the BVIHSA, this is the second cohort of EMTs to be introduced as frontline responders through the joint initiative between the two agencies.

All of the certifications, the Authority said, are of US and UK standards.

In the meantime, Health Minister Marlon Penn said there had been many discussions about EMT training in the BVI previously but it didn’t materialise since there was no capacity at that time.

BVIHSA Chairman, Moleto Smith, cautioned the graduates to seize their opportunities and said the graduates’ presence at the ceremony was the completion of a process involving discussions and plans that started years ago.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BVIHSA Dr June Samuel stated that discussions between the BVIHSA and HLSCC regarding the EMT course commenced in 2017.

“I am happy that in 2022 we were able to achieve this success… It says a lot about what we can do as a people when we work together,” the Acting CEO added.

Vice President of Academic Affairs at HLSCC, Dr Arlene Smith-Thompson said the HLSCC was pleased to partner with the BVIHSA and noted that the college is always interested in facilitating the educational development of the territory.

“We see the EMT training as a stepping stone for persons looking to join the healthcare sector… This collaboration shows that when goals are aligned they can pave the way for more partnerships in the future,” Dr Smith-Thompson stated.