GTA completes two First Aid & CPR training sessions in Lethem
–53 participants trained in areas such as CPR, cardiac emergencies and dealing with sudden illnesses
During January 25-28, 2021, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated two First Aid & CPR training sessions for 53 hotel staff, tour guides and tour operators in Lethem. Participants from Takatu Hotel, Rupununi Eco Hotel, Sky Valley Tours, the Mayor & Town Council, NDC and RDC of Lethem, Santa Fe Farm, LI Logistics, Vve Tours, Silver D Ranch, Cindy’s Bus Service, Rupununi Adventure, SWM – Guyana, South Rupununi Conservation Society, Saddle Mountain Ranch, Quarrie Village Council, Waikin Ranch, Ariwa Beach, Point Ranch, Shea Village, Manari Ranch, Wichabai Ranch, Savannah Inn, Karasabai Village, Hotel Amazonas, Dadanawa Ranch, Katoonarib Village, Sand Creek Village were all trained as first-aid responders.
Melissa Alstrom, an instructor attached to the Guyana Training College for International Skills (GTCI) who is passionate about first response, health and safety facilitated four days of training at Hotel Amazonas, with all COVID-19 protocols being observed i.e. temperature checks, wearing of masks, hand sanitisation, physical distancing and sanitisation of mannequins and trainings equipment before and after each use.
Participants were guided through critical areas such as an Introduction to First Aid, CPR techniques, the Heimlich manoeuvre, Cardiac Emergencies Symptoms of Seizures and Strokes as well as dealing with sudden illnesses. These sessions, led through practical, hands-on scenarios ensured that businesses are adequately trained to safely host both local and international travellers as they begin to resume operations. The Certificates issued to the participants are valid for a period of two years.
As part of the Authority’s licensing system, Tour Guides and Tourism Accommodation Establishments are required to have First Aid & CPR Certification before a licence can be issued. More importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the critical need for persons within the tourism industry to be trained in an above-average level of emergency care.
The GTA remains committed to elevating the quality of service provided by the tourism sector and will be hosting a series of training programmes throughout 2021 to strengthen the capacity of the travel and tourism industry workforce as it resumes operations.
To support tourism businesses and tour guides affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Authority has also waived all training fees for GTA-Led training programmes and is offering a 50% subsidy for First Aid Training led by recognised training institutions until March 31, 2021.
For more information on the GTA’s training initiatives contact Chetnauth Persaud, Training & Tourism Development Officer, at chetnauth@guyanatourism.com or Shameza David, Manager of Training & Licensing, at shameza@guyanatourism.com in the Travel Industry Development Division (TIDD) or call +(592) 219 0055.