safety steps

Over the past few weeks, the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team has been holding a series of trainings to keep the skills of its volunteers up to date.

As a volunteer organization, ABSAR prides itself on the work they do and always tries to remain in a state of readiness should an emergency or any other incident occur.

List of trainings:

Rescue Boat Coxswain Training

The ABSAR team continued honing essential skills with a focused training session on rescue boat coxswain operations.

We are thrilled to announce that three ABSAR volunteers successfully qualified as rescue boat coxswains!

This marks a significant boost in our ability to support the local marine community and respond effectively to emergencies on the water.

Congratulations to our newly qualified coxswains, and thank you to everyone who participated in this critical training. Your dedication helps us serve and protect our beautiful island community.

Fire Training

The ABSAR team and volunteers participated in a valuable fire training session hosted by our amazing partners at ONDECK.

At ABSAR, we believe in maintaining our skills while continuously developing new ones. Refreshing the fundamentals keeps us sharp and ready to respond when it matters most.

The session focused on essential fire safety practices, including understanding the basic principles of firefighting, choosing and using the right fire extinguishers, proper fire blanket techniques, operating fire pumps, hoses, and branches, and an introduction to foam induction systems.

We’re proud of the team’s commitment to learning and grateful to ONDECK for supporting us in strengthening our capabilities.

Wilderness Search & Rescue Training

ABSAR held its second training session for our new Wilderness Search and Rescue Auxiliary. We were thrilled to have 16 participants join us to learn about organizing and managing a lost person scenario.

This exciting new program allows us to expand our capabilities and serve the community in a critical new capacity. The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved are paving the way for a stronger, more prepared team.

Drowning Protocol!

ABSAR partnered with the incredible CMSA (Caribbean Maritime Safety Association) for a hands-on training session focused on water rescue skills.

The session covered critical techniques for handling conscious, panicking, and unconscious casualties, efficient extraction from the water, CPR protocols for drowning, and oxygen administration.

With so many of Antigua’s activities centered around the water, this training ensures our volunteers remain up-to-date on their skills and protocols, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively in any situation.

Interested in joining the team of lifesavers? Learn more about volunteering at www.absar.org/volunteer.html.