Two Complete First Responder Course
By Sandy Walker - The Abaconian - 1 August 2002

Two Abaco persons attended a First Responder Course in Nassau. Nurse Shadell Munnings graduated from the course as valedictorian and Mr. John Pintard graduated with the highest score in the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation section of the course. Funding for the course was provided by the U.S. Army Southern Command and it was under the direction of the Ministry of Health. All course graduates were certified by the Ministry.

Ms. Sandy Walker is the island coordinator of the First Responders Programme on Abaco and Mr. Sarone Kennedy is the coordinator for the South Abaco District. Other district coordinators will be named and become official at the First Responders meeting to be held on August, 10.

The course is part of the First Responders Programme began in October 1998. The first classes were held on Abaco and 24 persons completed the course. The purpose of this programme is to provide advanced first aid skills to persons in outlying areas so they will be able to stabilize victims of accidents and emergencies until advanced medical help can arrive or the victim can be transported to the clinic or doctor. The course has been held on several Family Islands.