Portable Labs Help Improve
Water Quality in Guatemala

Within the framework of Guatemala’s national Water and Sanitation Emergency Plan, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance delivered portable laboratory equipment to nine of the departments affected by Tropical Storm Stan last October. The equipment will be used for water quality surveillance and control. The affected communities will receive training on how to use the equipment to guarantee safe drinking water. Although this laboratory equipment was purchased to deal with the consequences of Tropical Storm Stan, it will also help these communities in other water quality initiatives that have been underway for several years.

Nevis Holds Training on Emergency Care

The Nevis Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and several other national agencies held a five-day workshop on Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT) in Disasters. The workshop targeted police and fire officials, NGOs and EMS personnel who play a critical role as first responders during mass casualty events or disaster situations, before advanced medical help can arrive. Too often, police or fire fighters who arrive early on the scene engage in crowd control, investigation and information collection. By taking this course, they can also take advantage of their early arrival and provide first aid and emergency care. Self-sufficiency in emergency situations is imperative for small countries like Nevis, as most often external assistance takes too long to arrive.