GTA Conducts First Aid & CPR Training
– 19 Persons Trained
On August 31, and September 1, 2020, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) facilitated a First Aid & CPR Training for nineteen (19) tour guides, tour operators and employees of established hotels. Roraima Duke Lodge, Caribbean Inn, Trailmasters, Adventure Guianas and the Jungle Bug were all participants, in addition to GTA team members – Micheala Lindore, Shameza David and Jumaine Stephens.
Melissa Alstrom, an instructor attached to the Guyana Training College for International Skills (GTCI) who is passionate about first response, health and safety facilitated both days of training at the Roraima Duke Lodge.
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. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how important it is for persons within the tourism industry to be very well trained in administering an above-average level of First Aid and CPR care in emergency situations. For two days, these sessions aimed to ensure that once travel restarts, the industry will be adequately prepared to safely host local and international travellers.
Over the two day sessions, participants were guided through practical, hands-on scenarios involving coaching each other to maximise individual skills and working as a team. Through this, and the mandatory practical examination at the end of day two, they will be able to implement a coordinated response in emergency scenarios which will ultimately build confidence to respond to emergency situations where time is of the essence, significantly reducing the potential for fatalities. Some of the critical areas of the training session included Breathing and Airway Obstruction Emergencies, Cardiac Emergencies and CPR Chest Compressions, Soft Tissue Injuries, Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries and Positioning and Moving a Casualty, among others.
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 2020 to strengthen the capacity of the travel and tourism industry workforce.
To support businesses and tour guides affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Authority has 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 December 31, 2020.
For more information on the GTA’s training initiatives visit www.guyanatourism.com or 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.
About the Guyana Tourism Authority: The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.
