Department of Emergency Management (DEM) interns put disaster response skills to the test on Friday through a practical simulation exercise to end a summer camp.
The exercise, dubbed Operation Savannah Shield, was designed and led by DEM interns and saw campers rotate through five stations where they demonstrated skills learned during the four-week programme, including radio communication, fire safety, hazard identification, CPR, first aid and assembling emergency go-bags.
Co-lead and DEM intern Shaenya Jones said the simulation was intended to reinforce the lessons participants received throughout the Safe Coast BIM Youth Disaster and Emergency Preparedness summer camp which ended on Friday.
Co-lead DEM interns Edwin Workman and Shakenya Jones. (Photo credit: Lauryn Escamilla / Barbados TODAY)
She said: “We were tasked with coming up with a simulation exercise to conclude the Safe Coast BIM camp. We decided to do a simulation that ran in five stations. Each station focused on what they would have learned throughout the camp, such as radio training, fire safety, identifying hazards, packing a go-bag, CPR and other basic medical skills.”
Jones noted that the participants embraced the exercise, with many particularly enjoying the radio communication component.
Co-lead intern Edwin Workman explained that the simulation was structured to mirror real-life emergency situations while encouraging teamwork and independent decision-making.
He said: “They were broken up into teams and each member was given a radio call sign. They were tested on proper radio etiquette, observation skills and identifying hazards before responding to a casualty. We gave them the basic information and allowed them to lead themselves because, at the end of the day, we’re not always going to be there for them.”
Workman praised the overall performance of the campers who were between the ages of 12 and 16.
“There were some teams that went above and beyond what we expected, while others needed a little guidance, but that’s part of learning. Overall, they worked very well together and the team leaders handled their responsibilities admirably.”
Ashley Lashley, executive director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation, said Operation Savannah Shield was organised as the practical component of the Safe Coast programme, which aims to equip young people with the knowledge needed before, during and after disasters.
Ashley Lashley Executive Director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation. (Photo credit: Lauryn Escamilla / Barbados TODAY)
She said Barbados’ vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion and hurricanes makes disaster education essential:
“Today’s exercise reinforced everything they would have learned over the last four weeks. They practised fire safety, CPR, first aid and radio communication, all activities carried out by national emergency agencies when disasters threaten Barbados.”
While many young people understand climate change, they often lack practical knowledge about disaster preparedness, she said.
“They are aware of climate change and its impacts, but they don’t really know the practicalities of what happens before, during and after a disaster. That’s why programmes like Safe Coast are so important. They help prepare young people and show them how disasters affect people’s livelihoods and communities.”
(LE)
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