In an effort to increase Bangladesh’s local communities’ ability to withstand flooding, the United States (US) today gave Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) medical supplies, hazardous material protection equipment, and life-saving water rescue equipment.
The US embassy’s deputy head of mission, Megan Bouldin, said, “It shows our strong partnership with Fire Service and Civil Defence and our continued investment in building resiliency in the local communities of Bangladesh.”
At the capital’s FSCD training site in Mirpur, she said this while transferring supplies.
Bouldin said the US government has partnered with the FSCD in last five 5 years, conducting many Medical First Responder Training Seminars throughout the country.
“They have trained over 200 FSCD personnel in first aid and trauma response procedures, augmenting their existing skill,” she added.
The FSCD today provided the fast water rescue equipment, which includes eight inflatable boats, one hundred and fifty flotation devices, and other necessary items. The apparatus would be employed in the event of a flood emergency.
More than 120 disposable coveralls are also available, protecting FSCD staff in the event of a chemical-related emergency that could endanger their health or well-being.
Trauma response kits, worth one hundred medical bags, are being given out today. These kits enable FSCD staff members to react to emergencies involving severe bleeding, breathing problems, hypothermia, and significant fractures.
All of these items provided today are easily stored, highly mobile and are rapidly deployable which bolsters the operational readiness of the FSCD, ensuring a quick and more effective response, saving countless lives across the nation.
“Today is yet another example of how we value our decades of friendship and our commitment to the strengthening the bonds between us,” said Bouldin.FSCD Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal presided over the event.
Later, Director of US Civil Military Support Element PACOM Augmentation Team Captain Joshua R. Wells told reporters that the US looks to build the resiliency within the communities of Bangladesh and save lives that can be prevented during disaster.
“The swift water rescue equipment that we’re donating today is a sign of our strong partnership (with Bangladesh) and is designed to enhance the response effectiveness of FSCD during swift water emergencies, whether manmade or natural disaster,” he said.
