KINGSTON, Jamaica —The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness have reaffirmed their readiness to respond effectively in the event of a major earthquake.

Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, JFB public education officer, superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, noted that the Brigade has enhanced its rescue capabilities through specialised training and sustained investment in modern equipment.

“We now have more search and rescue teams trained in the Jamaica Fire Brigade. As a matter of fact, every division… every fire station has at least one search and rescue crew,” he informed.

Superintendent Ebanks noted that several firefighters have received specialised training in swift water rescue, which involves turbulent and rapidly moving water, as well as still water rescue for calmer bodies such as oceans, lakes, pools, and flooded areas.

In highlighting the importance of technology to the JFB’s operations, he indicated that the Brigade’s procurement process is directly aligned with global advancements in rescue technology.

“In terms of rescue equipment, as the technology increases, then the trucks that we are ordering will have the requisite technology for search and rescue,” superintendent Ebanks explained.

Meanwhile, Director of the Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services Branch in the Health Ministry, Dr Janice Miller, said the Ministry’s disaster response approach is grounded in a comprehensive, multi-hazard framework.

“In response to earthquakes, it’s much like what we would have been doing for response to any other disaster where, during the planning phase, there’s a lot of training that goes on… simulation… and making sure that your health care facilities are in tip-top shape,” she said.

Miller emphasised that staff at all levels are trained to respond effectively to disasters.

“You [will] find that we regularly conduct drills and do mass casualty training. We know that if you’re doing a response, you are going to need to be able to command the response. So we have incident command training and Health Emergency Operations Centre training at all levels,” she informed.

Miller pointed out that, in terms of emergency medical services, the emergency room is typically prepared for all disasters, including earthquakes, and can be readied at very short notice.

“We plan for it, we prep it, we have our staff in place, and we are trained. You don’t have to worry about whether or not if you turn up at a hospital, you are going to have a problem. No, you’re not.

“Primary health service personnel are trained similarly, and you will find that, in the event of a disaster, the entire team rolls out in seamless coordination,” she said.

Earthquake Awareness Week, slated for January 11-17, will be observed under the theme: ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

Spearheaded by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the week will feature a series of activities designed to engage citizens and strengthen public awareness.

-JIS