LANET, Kenya — The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched a four-day Basic Life Support (BLS) training programme at the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) in Lanet to strengthen the emergency medical response capabilities of military personnel.
The programme was officially launched by Commandant Kenya Military Academy, Major General Joel Muriungi Arimi, and is being facilitated by instructors from the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS).
According to the KDF, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness by equipping personnel with essential lifesaving skills for use during training, military operations, and routine duties.
Building Emergency Response Skills
Speaking during the launch, Major General Arimi said the ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies is a key element of military professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He noted that KDF personnel often operate in challenging environments where immediate medical intervention can be critical to saving lives.
“The ability to respond effectively during medical emergencies is a critical component of military professionalism and operational readiness,” Arimi said.
Participants to Learn CPR, AED Use
The Basic Life Support course provides participants with internationally recognised emergency care skills, including:
- Early recognition of cardiac arrest.
- Prompt activation of emergency response systems.
- High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
- Management of choking emergencies.
- Coordinated team response during medical incidents.
The training also covers emergency care for adults, children, and infants, with an emphasis on teamwork and rapid intervention to improve survival outcomes.
Focus on the Chain of Survival
The programme highlights the Chain of Survival, a globally recognised emergency response framework that includes:
- Early recognition of medical emergencies.
- Immediate high-quality CPR.
- Early defibrillation.
- Advanced resuscitation.
- Post-cardiac arrest care.
According to the KDF, these interventions are essential in improving survival rates during medical emergencies.
Enhancing Operational Readiness
The initiative reflects the Kenya Military Academy’s commitment to developing a highly prepared workforce capable of responding confidently and effectively to medical emergencies in operational and training environments.
KDF says continuous medical training and professional development remain integral to strengthening the resilience, readiness, and safety of its personnel.
