From 28 – 30 January, U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific soldiers, alongside U.S. Embassy Jakarta officials and local port authorities, conducted a Medical First Responder Seminar (MFRS) in Tarakan, North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. While coordinating with local Health Department, law enforcement, and government agencies, the U.S. Embassy identified the need for medical first responder education in Tarakan. Thirty participants from numerous emergency response agencies attended the three-day seminar.

Participants in the seminar learned the process of evaluating and treating life-threatening injuries. The seminar fostered collaboration between various local organizations who all may serve as first responders. All graduates received emergency first-aid kits with medical supplies donated by Spirit of America. Participants agreed that the medical knowledge gained during the seminar, combined with the donated equipment, greatly enhanced their first responder capacity. The Tarakan Fire Department said their graduates will go on to conduct medical first responder training for all its 64 firefighters with the equipment and skills provided during the seminar. In addition to bolstering the capacity of local first responders to address emergency situations, this seminar reflects U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship. The Medical First Responder Seminar is one of many U.S. government initiatives that aim to deepen working relationships with Indonesian law enforcement and government bodies.