Uzbekistan EMS Training a Success

(26June2010) - Three GMR volunteers returned home safely last week from two successful weeks of EMS first responder training in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  The mission was part of a joint venture orchestrated by relief organization, Medical Teams International (MTI) to increase the quality of care in the region.  This is GMR's second mission to Uzbekistan this year, building upon a foundation first responder training provided in February.  For several years, MTI has been working in Uzbekistan to establish standards of care in the prehospital setting. 

The two groups of students included 38 men and 3 women that travelled up to 300 miles each day to attend the training.  All were members of fire departments throughout the region.  The students adapted well and were very proficient at their skills despite having little or no first aid training prior.  They were taught anatomy, wound care, medical emergencies, and trauma management skills.  The ultimate goal of this mission was to provide the area with established training and certification so that they can evolve into a dual role system of providing fire protection as well as EMS to the citizens they serve.

The mission opened the eyes of the volunteers and provided them with cultural experience that few people have the opportunity to participate in.  GMR Volunteers Greg Smith, Josh Gehrke and Tim Barbknecht would like to thank the people of Uzbekistan for their hospitality and their eagerness to learn and share ideas.