Police Officers Graduate from EMT Training Programme

The Belize Police Department was among the participants who graduated from an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training programme held on Saturday at the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Belize City.  The four-month programme brought together members of the security forces and civilian participants, combining both theory and practical training aimed at strengthening national emergency response capacity. The course focused on essential lifesaving skills including patient assessment, trauma care, and emergency stabilization, with an emphasis on first response in critical situations. Officials say the training is especially important for police officers, who are often among the first responders at accident scenes and other emergencies before medical personnel arrive. Police Corporal Eric Watson, who served as valedictorian, spoke on the confidence the programme has built within the Belize Police Department.

Corporal Eric Watson, Belize Police Department: “Absolutely. During the curriculum we were trained to respond even to mass casualty situations, situations that would involve anywhere from one to as many patients.”

Reporter:  And how does EMT training complement the work already being done by police officers and emergencies? 

Corporal Eric Watson, Belize Police Department “Well EMT training is perfect for police officers because what happens with EMT is that police and EMT goes hand in hand. The police department responds to emergencies already as is and then the EMT training just enhances our capabilities. One of the primary roles and functions of the police department is to preserve and protect life and property and EMT ties right into that aspect of policing. So this is another tool in the toolbox of the police to serve, to better be able to serve the general public.”
Police Constable Renice Beard also reflected on the experience gained during the four-month training programme.

PC Renice Beard, EMT Training Program Graduate: “I’m actually feeling more than confident I should say. Our training was very intense. We’ve dealt with real-life situations. With BERT we did our ride-alongs whereby we assisted in various stations you know ? And then we stabilized patients and then take them to the KHMH. So we’ve dealt with many real life situations which prepared me. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge throughout my ride alongside and rotations at KHMH which I believe has helped me being confident in my duties.”

At the end of the course, participants were officially certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, strengthening Belize’s overall emergency response system.