As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen staff capacity and preparedness for effective emergency response, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Port Harcourt Operations Office on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, transitioned from theoretical slide presentations to a hands-on session on Search and Rescue (SAR) response equipment.
The in-house training, titled “Introduction to SAR Response Equipment,” was designed to build staff competence in disaster response through practical demonstrations. The focus was on improving operational readiness, physical fitness, and self-reliance in SAR activities, with the overall goal of reducing loss of life and property during emergencies.
Objectives of the Training The training aimed to:
1. Increase staff awareness and engagement – Educating staff on SAR procedures to enable self-protection and safe participation in rescue operations.
2. Enhance disaster response capabilities – Ensuring quicker and more efficient response through hands-on familiarity with SAR tools and protocols.
3. Reduce dependence on external support – Empowering staff with the knowledge and skills to manage SAR operations independently.
4. Strengthen preparedness – Equipping personnel with the capacity for disaster readiness, evacuation coordination, incident command, and basic first aid.
Highlights of the Practical Session During the practical session, staff received guided demonstrations on:
Proper use of Personal Floating Devices (PFDs),
Casualty stabilization techniques for fractures and bleeding,
Safe evacuation procedures using spine boards and roller stretchers,
Emergency patient handling into the Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
The session, though physically demanding, was highly interactive and impactful. It featured a question-and-answer segment that further deepened the understanding of the trainees.
