Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 21 July 2026 — The Ministry of Health and Human Services through the Health Emergency Management Unit, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), proudly announces the successful completion of the PAHO Mass Casualty Management (MCM) Course, an intensive five-day programme that took place in Grand Turk from the 22nd to 27th June 2026. Approximately 40 multi-sector emergency responders successfully completed the course and committed to strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands' capacity to respond effectively to major emergencies and disasters.
The graduating cohort represented a diverse cross-section of agencies that play a critical role in national emergency response, including the Primary Health Care Department, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, His Majesty's Prison, the Environmental Health Department, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. Their participation reflects the country's continued commitment to a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to emergency preparedness and disaster response.
Building National Resilience Through International Best Practice
The PAHO Mass Casualty Management Course is an internationally recognized programme developed to strengthen the competencies of emergency responders responsible for managing incidents involving multiple casualties. The comprehensive curriculum combines classroom instruction with realistic field exercises and focuses on:
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Incident Command and on-scene coordination
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Triage and rapid casualty assessment
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Field medical care and stabilization
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Safe extrication and patient transport
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Communication and resource management
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Multi-agency coordination through realistic disaster simulations
The programme emphasizes the importance of integrated emergency response, ensuring that all participating agencies share a common operational framework and can work seamlessly together during hurricanes, transportation accidents, industrial incidents, active violence events, and other large-scale emergencies.
Ms. Charlene Higgs, Director of the Health Emergency Management Unit (HEMU), Ministry of Health, praised the participants for their outstanding performance throughout the programme.
"This year's participants demonstrated exceptional discipline, teamwork, and multisector coordination. Their ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively during field exercises reflects the growing strength of our national emergency response system. It is inspiring to witness so many agencies working together with one shared purpose, protecting the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Every participant leaves this course better prepared to save lives when our communities need them most."
Recognizing Outstanding Leadership and Commitment
The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Peter Burgess, PAHO Consultant and Lead Instructor, whose exceptional leadership, practical expertise, and hands-on facilitation greatly enhanced the quality of this year's training. His extensive regional experience and contribution as one of the principal authors of the PAHO Mass Casualty Management System Course Manual, provided participants with invaluable insight into internationally recognized best practices.
The Ministry also recognizes the longstanding commitment of Director Health Emergency Management Unit Ms. Charlene Higgs, and Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital who have jointly delivered Mass Casualty Management training in the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than a decade. Through their dedication and leadership, hundreds of emergency responders across multiple sectors have received specialized training that has strengthened national preparedness and enhanced operational readiness throughout the country.
Excellence in Multi-Agency Collaboration
Participants demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout the programme, particularly during practical simulations that tested their ability to respond collaboratively under realistic disaster conditions. Highlights of the course included:
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Outstanding professionalism and discipline
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Strong teamwork and effective communication
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Excellent multi-agency coordination
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Rapid mastery of Mass Casualty Management principles
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High-quality performance during realistic field simulation exercises
Their achievements demonstrate the professionalism, commitment, and operational readiness of the Turks and Caicos Islands' emergency response community.
Investing in a Safer Future
Commenting on the successful completion of the training, Honourable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, stated that “As the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to grow and evolve, strengthening national emergency preparedness remains a strategic priority. Programmes such as the PAHO Mass Casualty Management Course ensure that emergency responders possess the knowledge, skills, and coordinated response capabilities necessary to protect lives and communities during major incidents and disasters.”
The Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Pan American Health Organization reaffirm their shared commitment to continuing collaboration through training, capacity building, and emergency preparedness initiatives that contribute to a safer, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.
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