Mogadishu, 24 May 2022 – Training of about 20 military officers on managing injuries sustained during combat operations has ended in Mogadishu, with officers gaining skills on minimizing and preventing battlefield casualties.
The two-day Battlefield Emergency First Aid (BEFA) training was conducted by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and a private contractor, Safe Lane Global.
During the training, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officers learnt about basic combat trauma care, administering first aid, managing complications in injuries, improvising temporary solutions, and extracting and evacuating wounded personnel.
The ATMIS Chief Military Information Officer, Col. Hans Nyange, said such trainings was important to understand the terrain and reduce injuries and save lives during combat.
“Over time and with practice, applying skills learnt in this course will undoubtedly save lives on the frontline. I am sure you have the knowledge, skills, techniques, and confidence to take the correct action to prevent battlefield deaths,” Col. Nyange told the officers at the end of the training.
“I would like to urge you to further enhance your understanding in this field through additional research, as training is a continuous process,” he added.
Col. Saheed Sadiq, the ATMIS Force Engineer, who attended the training, said he had precious knowledge needed for first responders in the battlefield.
“We were able to identify the roles we are to play as first responders after an attack or hostile enemy action,” said Col. Sadiq. “From the skills gained in this training, we will be able to provide emergency treatment for severe haemorrhage, clear airways and help with breathing and ventilation for the injured.”