Inspired by popular revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, on February 15, 2011, the people of Libya began a peaceful protest against the ruling dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, in an attempt to end his more than four-decade rule. His response was swift and brutal and led to an uprising across the country, with forces loyal to Gaddafi clashing with the rebel group, who want to see the dictator’s overthrow. As a result of the conflict, the country is littered with mines, unexploded ordinance (UXO) including bomblets from cluster bombs, shells, mortars, rockets and grenades and booby-traps have been found in buildings and in people’s houses. The situation has made it difficult for people to have any sense of normalcy, and the UXO presents a threat to the health and safety of everyone, especially children.
In March 2011, GlobalMedic deployed a 2 person Rapid Response Team to Tunisia on the border with Libya, to conduct a needs assesment and prepare for a GlobalMedic deployment should the conflict in Libya come to a halt. The team liaised with local partners and set the ground work for an RRT deployment.
In June 2011, GlobalMedic partnered with Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to respond in Libya. MAG initially conducted a 4-day Rapid Needs Assessment on the ground and confirmed that the threat of injury and death to civilians was quite high in the Misrata, Benghazi and Ajdabiya areas as there was overwhelming evidence of UXOs, mines, booby-traps, and cluster munitions.
From17 June -21 July 2011, a GlobalMedic paramedic worked with our partner MAG to provide training on our Emergency Trauma Management Course in Benghazi and Ajdabiya to ten doctors and medical students. Misrata was deemed too dangerous to conduct the training, however, two Libyan health practitioners in Benghazi were given specialized training in order to assist in conducting the training course in Ajdabiya and later on in Misrata. Emphasis was placed on hands-on, practical skills and scenarios. In addition to the medical training, our paramedic and MAG made important contacts in local hospitals and took steps to restore ambulance services in Benghazi and Ajdabiya.
Given the current situation in Libya right now, the initial GlobalMedic mission was very successful; much was accomplished given the time and logistical restrictions. As the MAG Libya operation expands, there is a high likelihood for GlobalMedic to return to conduct further training; provide direct medical support; and to assist in the coordination of medical evacuation plans. This will be determined as the situation on the ground in Libya continues to evolve.
