PNG-US disaster exercise tests emergency response skills

Disaster response teams in Lae have tested their skills in a joint Papua New Guinea-US exercise focused on saving lives during emergencies.

The four-day exercise brought together PNG agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to train in search and rescue, medical response and site security.

Teams demonstrated how casualties could be removed from disaster areas, treated by medical teams and moved through a secure site.

James Kenwolf, from the US Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, said the training was also about strengthening regional security.

“Disaster preparedness is the ultimate expression of our shared commitment to regional security,” Kenwolf said.

The exercise followed a crawl, walk and run approach, allowing trainees to build their skills before taking part in the final field demonstration.

Training also included oil spill response at the Port of Lae, search and rescue, medical emergencies and managing displaced people.

The exercise is aimed at improving coordination between PNG and US agencies and strengthening PNG’s capacity to respond to future disasters.