32 Parika/Bartica boat operators trained in basic first aid

Thirty-two boat operators on the Parika/Bartica service have joined 188 others on different routes who have benefited from basic first aid training this year.

According to a press release from the Maritime Administration Depart-ment (MARAD), the Parika/Bartica service operators completed their training on July 25 in Bartica.

The release said the initiative was a collaborative effort between the Reliance Health Care Group Inc and MARAD, with the objective being to equip all boat operators throughout Guyana with first aid training.

Parika/Bartica practising CPR during the training
Parika/Bartica practising CPR during the training

Regional Chairman of Region Seven Gordon Bradford said he was happy that the initiative was taken as boat operators are now equipped with basic first aid skills in the event of an emergency while traversing the waterways. The release said he is also looking forward to having operators who traverse the interior region to be trained as well.

According to MARAD, first aid training for boat operators began in February with 160 operators from the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop service being trained. In March, 128 boat operators from the Parika/Supenaam service were also trained.

MARAD will continue with its effort of promoting safety on the waterways and ensuring all boat operators throughout the country are equipped with the basic first aid skills to deal effectively with passengers whenever the need arises, the release said.