At various times from 1996-2006, 8 foreign governments and an estimated 25 separate rebel factions have waged war across this vast country (the size of Ontario and Quebec put together) at Africa's heart, seeking control of its immense mineral resources. The DRC is rich in almost everything mineable, including gold, diamonds, copper and coltan, a mineral important in electronics. It could be the richest country on the planet; instead it is one of the poorest.
These conflicts have displaced tens of millions, and left the countryside littered with explosive remnants of war, minefields and poorly controlled stockpiles of aging weapons. Humanitarian de-mining agency Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has been working here since 2004 to reduce the threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the country – clearing dangerous areas and using Mine Risk Education (MRE) in order to create safe access to water sources, agricultural land, medical facilities and education centres – and to destroy stockpiles of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition.
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From May to August, 2008, GlobalMedic paramedic Josh Hehner spent 3 months traveling around the country, visiting MAG field sites and advising them on the medical support components of their program. Josh also provided a capacity-building program developed by GlobalMedics in "Trauma Management and Field Medicine" for the local Doctors and nurses employed by MAG for emergency medical coverage of the dangerous mine and UXO clearance work.
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Josh has also delivered training for the team members themselves, focusing on First Aid, trauma management and CPR, and on the practical techniques that may be called upon in the event of an accident, such as spinal immobilization and the running of portable oxygen systems.
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