RSIPF now have own local First Aid trainers through partnership with SIPSP and ADF

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has achieved a significant milestone in first aid training by now having their own team of qualified first aid trainers. This will ensure sustainability for the RSIPF’s first aid training through the ability to use local expertise to train local staff.

This significant milestone was achieved after Acting Inspector James TOME, Officer in Charge of the Provincial Division (O/C Provincial) from the RSIPF’s Learning and Development Academy, with the support of the Solomon Islands Support Program (SIPSP), approached the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and asked if they could collaborate to build local capacity in a more sustainable way. Both the ADF and SIPSP were honoured to assist the RSIPF with this endeavour, which will benefit not only the RSIPF but the wider community as well.

A gap had emerged in the previous first aid training program and Acting Inspector James TOME, supported by Senior Advisor Simon WOODHAMS from SIPSP, explored several alternative training options however high costs rendered most of the options unviable.

A breakthrough came when contact was made with ADF members conducting an advanced first aid course alongside RSIPF officers. Acting Inspector TOME and SIPSP were invited to observe the training, leading to discussions that secured approval for a two-week "train-the-trainer" program for RSIPF staff by the ADF. Five RSIPF officers, meeting stringent skill and selection criteria, participated in the course and successfully qualified as certified first aid trainers.

This development ensures the RSIPF can now independently conduct ongoing first aid training, with continued support from the ADF and SIPSP if and when required. The program exemplifies a sustainable model, empowering local officers to take ownership of essential training.

The newly certified trainers have played a critical role in the ongoing Provincial Training Officer (PTO) Conference, with a revised first aid training roster to continue to retrain more RSIPF staff set to launch shortly thereafter.

This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration and local capacity-building, paving the way for a more resilient RSIPF training framework.