According to a recent news release from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines Reservists, supported by an Army officer from 16 Medical Regiment, have conducted military medical training in Libya for the first time in ten years.
The short-term training team spent a week in Tripoli delivering essential battlefield medical skills to both civilian and military medics.
The initiative was led by Colonel Matt Ketterer, with oversight from the Defence Attaché and the Director General of the Libyan Medical Corps.
The training focused on two critical areas. “Military Medical Training prioritises immediate life-saving interventions, such as controlling bleeding and airway management,” according to the release. Another key aspect was “Prolonged Field Care, which focuses on providing care to casualties in remote or austere environments, often for extended periods.”
The sessions were described as interactive and hands-on, allowing participants to practise techniques under simulated conditions.
Cpl Rhys Banfield of RMR Bristol, who was part of the team, praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the Libyan medics. “The Libyan participants were enthusiastic and eager to learn, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving their medical capabilities,” he said.
“By equipping Libyan medics with advanced medical skills, we have contributed to enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure and its ability to respond to emergencies. This investment in human resource will undoubtedly save lives and improve the overall health and well-being of the Libyan people.”
The team trained 30 Libyan medics and has already received a request to provide further training sessions in 2025, underscoring the significance of this collaboration in strengthening Libya’s medical and emergency response capabilities.
