HSA Fire Marshals receive additional training to become Hurricane Shelter Wardens

Thirteen employees of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority recently completed a Shelter Warden Training Programme facilitated by the Authority. The group consisted of 11 persons who had received accredited fire safety and fire marshal training and two instructors who are American Heart Association Certified.

“The staff were trained on how to manage an HSA designated hurricane shelter, with special emphasis on management during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Health and Safety Manager Debra Gaffigan. “Topics discussed included the screening of shelterees and the options for isolating individuals that may develop COVID-19 symptoms whilst sheltering. They also were instructed on the phases of shelter operations, the role of the warden and the physical, social, emotional and health needs of shelterees.”

As a part of their training, the wardens familiarised themselves with how the spaces will be used at the staff shelter facilities in the event of a storm.

Further to the hurricane warden training, the staff members will now complete an American Heart Association (AHA) First Aid course which will cover the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the provision of first responder care.

“Once the wardens have completed the course they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage, coordinate and supervise the operations of all staff shelter facilities in addition to providing first responder care,” Mrs. Gaffigan stated.