British surgeons train Kuwaiti medics for Gaza deployment

• British surgeons and anaesthetists from the David Nott Foundation completed two ‘Hostile Environment Surgical Training’ courses for over 30 Kuwaiti medics

• Kuwaiti surgeons learned how to manage multiple trauma injuries commonly seen on the frontline, ranging from penetrating head wounds to multi-organ blast injuries.

On Wednesday, April 17, a visiting delegation of British surgeons and anaesthetists from the David Nott Foundation, a UK medical charity specializing in training doctors in conflict and natural disaster zones, completed two ‘Hostile Environment Surgical Training’ courses for over 30 Kuwaiti medics preparing for deployment to Gaza.

These courses, hosted at the National Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters, were facilitated and funded in partnership with the British Embassy Kuwait and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. The aim was to equip participating Kuwaiti medics with vital trauma surgery and anesthesia skills that will help them save lives during their deployment to Gaza and in any future conflict or disaster areas.

The surgeons learned how to manage multiple trauma injuries commonly seen on the frontline, ranging from penetrating head wounds to multi-organ blast injuries. Meanwhile, the anaesthetists learned how to adapt their skills to hostile environments with limited resources.

Humanitarian assistance

Mrs. Sunny Ahmed, the British Chargé d’affaires to the State of Kuwait, said, “This week’s training is a great example of the UK and Kuwait’s partnership in action. One of the core values we share is our commitment to humanitarian assistance, and I sincerely hope the specialist skills participating medics have acquired can help alleviate the dreadful suffering in Gaza.”

“On behalf of the British Embassy, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, who have joined us to help fund and facilitate the David Nott Foundation’s delivery of both courses, the National Bank of Kuwait for providing the venue, the Kuwaiti Government for their support, and, of course, the British surgeons and anaesthetists who so generously volunteered their time over the past week,” added Mrs. Ahmed.

Emergency medical care navigation

Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, President of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, said, “On behalf of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, I extend my appreciation to the British Embassy for facilitating this week’s training. I also extend our sincerest gratitude to the David Nott Foundation for their invaluable expertise. Their guidance has empowered our esteemed consultants, whose dedication serves as a testament to the spirit of humanity that defines our National Society, with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of emergency medical care as volunteer medics in conflict zones.”

“Last, but certainly not least, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the National Bank of Kuwait for their generous support. We are truly grateful for their partnership. I am immensely proud of the collaboration that has characterized our time together this week and am confident that we will carry forward the lessons learned in our shared mission to serve humanity with compassion and expertise,” he added.

Embodying the values of charity, humanity

Elly Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, said, “Recognized by the UN as a Humanitarian Center and embodying the values of charity and humanity, Kuwait is a natural partner for the David Nott Foundation. This week, we have trained 22 surgeons and ten anaesthetists in partnership with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society and the British Embassy Kuwait.”

“These medics have been trained in surgical skills essential for saving life and limb as they contribute to relief campaigns and humanitarian initiatives in the region. Sadly, there is no end to the need for their skills in the world at present, and we look forward to further collaboration with our colleagues here in Kuwait for the benefit of those who suffer in conflict,” he added.