U.S. and Mexico holds joint training for first responders in Puerto Vallarta

Today, 20 Civil Protection representatives from Jalisco and Michoacán successfully completed a Water Search and Rescue Training Course conducted by officials of the United States Department of Health and Human Services in Puerto Vallarta from March 20 to 24.

This course, which enhanced the ability of the first responders to assist the flood-affected public, and from hurricanes and fast-water incidents, was conducted in collaboration with the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and Civil Protection of Mexico. The North Command also donated the equipment that was used during the course, with a value of more than $270,000 dollars. This collaboration demonstrates the continued goodwill and collaboration between the US and Mexican governments and was designed to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities.

This event was possible through the Humanitarian Assistance Program of the Northern Command of the United States and recognizes a lasting collaboration between the Command and the Mexican Civil Protection Office, Sinaproc.

The Northern Command of the United States collaborates with the Mexican government to improve preparedness and disaster response capabilities, including public health and medical capabilities. Since 2008, the Northern Command has been closely linked with Sinaproc, Salud, Sedena and Semar to improve disaster preparedness capacities throughout Mexico in earthquake monitoring, response planning and exercises; In combating structural and forest fires; In response to radiological events; In response to hazardous materials; In flood monitoring and monitoring systems; In the mitigation and response of landslides; In urban search and rescue; In water rescue and in disaster behavioral health seminars.