Nationally Connected Network of Trainers Empowers Fishers as Medical First Responders: A Case Study in Collaboration and Capacity Building

Immediate access to advanced medical care in the event of an emergency or injury is not equitable across socioeconomic, occupational, and environmental conditions. Research has shown that basic first aid techniques, when standardized and provided to the public, can significantly improve victim survival in a traumatic event. The Fishing First Aid & Safety Training (FFAST) considers these factors to provide accessible, low, or no cost training across coastal regions of the United States that is adapted specifically for commercial fisheries. The foundation for FFAST is rooted in the theory and practice of austere medicine, which is generally practiced where traditional medical infrastructure, resources, or facilities are absent. Austere medicine often requires decision-making with limited information and resources to optimize patient outcome. FFAST curriculum emphasizes regional adaptations to fit specific fishing audiences and hands-on training and skills practice. Training is delivered using in-person instruction by culturally competent instructors, embedded within fishing communities throughout the United States. To enhance training quality and sustain instructor capacity, we have established a nationally connected network of trainers who actively collaborate to build capacity to provide FFAST to the communities in their respective regions. We support the network through regular all-team meetings to exchange knowledge and report outcomes, and inter-regional train-the-trainer coordination so each partner benefits from best practices and lessons learned across the alliance. The collaborative network supports all partners to meet commercial fishing professional's growing demand for FFAST training.