The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has partnered with Back to Life Limited, a UK-based life support training company, to enhance the emergency response skills of healthcare professionals across the Territory. This collaboration is a key component of BVIHSA’s strategic plan to achieve accreditation from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), setting a new benchmark for emergency care in the Territory.
Back to Life Limited, with more than 32 years of experience in life support training, kicked off a week-long training program at the BVIHSA on September 23. A team of nine expert instructors travelled to Tortola to work closely with BVIHSA staff, providing Intermediate and Advanced Life Support training that covers both Adult and Paediatric emergency care. These courses are designed to strengthen our healthcare team’s ability to handle critical situations effectively and confidently.
Why Back to Life Limited?
Back to Life Limited has a proven track record of delivering high-quality life support training to acute hospitals, mental health institutions, and community settings across the UK. Their Intermediate and Advanced courses are accredited by RCUK, which is why BVIHSA selected them to support our efforts in becoming an accredited RCUK training centre over the next five years.
“We’re excited to be working with Back to Life Limited! Their expertise and alignment with RCUK standards make them the perfect partner to help us build a robust training program that will benefit the entire BVI community,” Acting CEO, Dr. June Samuel announced.
Training Already Making a Difference
During the past week, BVIHSA healthcare professionals—from doctors and nurses to paramedics and administrative staff—participated in a series of intensive training sessions. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the high-quality instruction and hands-on approach provided by the Back to Life team.
Jo Lawrence, CEO of Back To Life Limited, stated, “The BVIHSA staff has shown incredible dedication; despite their busy schedules, they’ve embraced the training with enthusiasm and a strong desire to improve their skills. This speaks volumes about their commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients.”
What’s Next? Building a Sustainable Training Program in the BVI
The partnership with Back to Life Limited is part of a broader initiative to establish BVIHSA as a fully accredited RCUK training centre by 2029. This will enable us to independently deliver RCUK-accredited courses and continuously train our healthcare teams to the highest standards.
“We’re not just aiming for accreditation; we’re building a program that will ensure our healthcare providers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to respond to emergencies effectively and confidently. It’s about creating a legacy of excellence in emergency care for the entire Territory,” Dr. Annelise Wilkins, Coordinator of the BVIHSA Back To Life Training Initiative explained.
The training program’s long-term benefits include improved patient outcomes, better preparedness for medical emergencies, and a more resilient healthcare system in the BVI.