NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (December 15, 2025) - The following is a press release from the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD):
The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) successfully concluded its 2025 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training program with a comprehensive island-wide Simulation Exercise. This full-day event featured coordinated, scenario-based emergency drills across all five parishes, designed to mirror realistic hazards and test community-level preparedness.
The simulation served as a critical component of NDMD’s ongoing mission to strengthen disaster readiness at both national and local levels. CERT volunteers were challenged to operate in high-pressure environments requiring rapid decision-making, teamwork, leadership, stress management, and effective communication, all while adhering to established emergency protocols.
Key objectives of the exercise included:
?- Enhancing scene size-up and situation assessment skills
- Conducting search and rescue operations under diverse conditions
- Performing medical triage, patient stabilization, and lifesaving interventions
- Evaluating command, coordination, and communication within and across teams
- Assessing the ability to manage emotionally traumatic situations
- Identifying operational gaps and training needs to guide future preparedness planning
Throughout the day, CERT teams responded to multiple simulated incidents involving crowd control, victim extraction, medical care, evacuation, and coordination with national response agencies. Observers and facilitators closely monitored response times, leadership dynamics, safety practices, and compliance with training standards.
The exercise concluded with structured debriefing and evaluation sessions, providing an opportunity for participants and evaluators to reflect on performance, celebrate strengths, and address areas for improvement. Feedback gathered will inform corrective action plans, future training modules, and enhancements to community response frameworks.
NDMD emphasizes that all activities were strictly simulated and posed no risk to public safety. Emergency vehicles, responders, and mock casualties observed during the exercise were part of planned training activities. Regular emergency services were still fully operational during the whole event.
The Department commends all CERT volunteers, facilitators, evaluators, and partner agencies for their dedication, commitment, professionalism, and willingness to serve their communities. These exercises play a crucial role in preparing responders technically, mentally, and emotionally to handle actual emergencies.
NDMD also extends sincere thanks to the public for their cooperation, patience, and continued support. Building resilience is a shared responsibility, and community-based programs such as CERT play a pivotal role in advancing Nevis’ efforts to reduce disaster risk.
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