Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched a three-day field hospital set-up training exercise as the Federation strengthens its preparedness for major emergencies and potential disasters.

The training began on October 7 at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) compound and is scheduled to continue through October 9, according to the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS).

The exercise revisits the deployment of two 40-bed field hospitals donated by the United States Government, which were previously set up in October 2021. The facilities are intended to support emergency medical capacity when ordinary healthcare services face pressure during a major incident.

Field hospital deployment requires coordination, equipment preparation and the ability to establish temporary treatment facilities quickly. The latest training provides an opportunity to practise these arrangements and reinforce the Federation’s disaster-response readiness.

With the Atlantic hurricane season still underway, emergency medical preparedness remains an important priority for Saint Kitts and Nevis, where effective coordination can be critical during hurricanes and other large-scale emergencies.

The exercise highlights the role of NEMA and national emergency-response planning in preparing the Federation to protect communities when disaster strikes.