Stronghold Medical Training In Nyika National Park

Please Note: These newsletters may contain written descriptions or images of the violence, disease, and injuries our teams confront on a regular basis. Please read at your own discretion.

A Stronghold team member demonstrates how to self-apply a tourniquet for the rangers at Nyika National Park. (©️ 2024, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)

National Park rangers in Malawi are tasked with protecting their parks (and the families who live around them) from poachers who are often involved in drugs, weapons, and human trafficking syndicates as well. Typically, the poachers prefer to flee rather than confront the park rangers, as the consequences of their crimes are severe. However, rangers have tragically been shot and killed by poachers in the line of duty. For the rangers in Nyika National Park, the nearest hospital is at least a five-hour drive over rough dirt roads — and evacuation can take even longer if the injured ranger is in a remote area.

A Stronghold team member distributes medical supplies to the national park rangers. (©️ 2024, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)

Stronghold identified this issue and sent in a small team to work with these rangers and teach them first responder medical procedures and how to safely maneuver in the field. In case of an emergency, it is imperative that emergency medical care is provided on site by other rangers as quickly as possible to give the injured patient the best chance of survival. While in Malawi, Stronghold conducted multi-day medical trainings and field mentorship for multiple ranger teams. In keeping with Stronghold’s policy of “Charity With Dignity,” the Stronghold team taught the rangers how to teach emergency medical basics to their fellow rangers. Going forward, these park rangers will have the skills necessary to train other rangers and, most importantly, apply these life-saving skills in the field.

Rangers participate in first responder training led by Stronghold Rescue advisors. The ranger on the right is providing security (overwatch) for a fellow ranger administering life-saving treatment to a simulated "wounded ranger.” (©️ 2024, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)

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