Several members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Disaster Risk Management Unit, that is led by Captain Sonia Miller, recently completed an intensive five-day Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training course held from October 21st to 25th. This comprehensive program, provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed to equip RBDF personnel and other participants from the Caribbean region with vital skills for urban disaster response. Countries represented included The Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, fostering collaboration and shared expertise in disaster preparedness.

The RBDF personnel undertook training focused on critical techniques essential for locating, stabilizing, and rescuing individuals trapped in collapsed structures following natural disasters. Participants were trained in primary scene assessments, patient triage classification, and advanced search methods, as well as in applying the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) marking system, a key component for coordinating rescue efforts in complex environments.

Hands-on sessions included practical skills such as debris removal, load-lifting, and shoring techniques, with a strong emphasis on patient stabilization and safe extraction. These practical simulations provided participants with realistic scenarios, reinforcing their ability to respond swiftly and decisively in disaster situations.

This program reflects USAID’s commitment to building resilient communities and strengthening local capacities across the Caribbean. USAID, globally recognized as a leader in international development, enhances regional disaster response capabilities through specialized training, ensuring the RBDF Disaster Risk Management Unit remains well-prepared to safeguard Bahamian citizens.

With the successful completion of this training, the RBDF Disaster Risk Management Unit is now better prepared than ever to lead search and rescue operations, providing a critical safety net for Bahamian citizens in times of crisis. Collaborative efforts with neighboring nations further enhance the readiness of Caribbean forces to respond to emergencies, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity and preparedness.

The RBDF under the leadership of Commodore King remains focused on personnel and organizational readiness to respond to disasters in urban settings at the national, regional, and international levels in fulfillment of its function as an Emergency Support Function under the country’s national disaster response system.

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