The St Kitts-Nevis Defence Force collaborated with the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) to conduct a Medical Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) SMEE at the Defence Force Base, Camp Springfield from January 13 to 17 January 2025.
A team of U.S. Army medical personnel conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with thirteen (13) members of the SKNDF, one (1) Police Officer from the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force, one (1) Paramedic from the Alexander Hospital (Nevis) and two (2) Fire officers from the St Kitts Nevis Fire and Rescue Services.
Leading the U.S. team was Capt. Rasheed Escobar, who coordinated the exercise, ensuring all logistical and strategic elements were in place for a successful collaboration.
The exchange was designed to help members of the Virgin Islands National Guard strengthen their relationships with the SKNDF while exchanging best practices related to the concept of TCCC.
The exchange team also included Lt. Keyvil King, Staff Sgt. Symone Simon, Sgt. Shaniah Edwards, and Sgt. Kinberli King, each bringing unique expertise and skills to the training. Together, they facilitated hands-on demonstrations, shared best practices, and engaged in discussions with the SKNDF members, covering critical areas such as emergency response, trauma care, and tactical field medicine.
The culminating exercise of the Combat Medical Care was witnessed by Dr. Hon. Terrence Drew, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis also with the responsibility for National Security.
Dr. Drew the Prime Minister who is a medical doctor by profession explained to the exercising troops that he has full appreciation of the skills sets displayed during the culminating exercise.
The Prime Minister further stated that he could not over emphasize the importance of basic critical medical care in the first few moments of a victim sustaining severe injuries. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the members of the SKNDF who skillfully took control of their comrades who played victims with gun shot injuries during the simulated military exercise.
Dr. Drew admonished the soldiers not to be relentless with training and exercises as the Commander (Ag) vigorously pursues the professionalization of the SKNDF among his priority objectives since taking command of the Force.
The SKNDF looks forward to future collaborations with the U.S. Army to continue to build a strong foundation of mutual respect and shared knowledge.
Basseterre, St Kitts, January 18, 2025 (SKNDF)
