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Assistant Commissioner Autagāvaia Apelu Sauoaiga has returned to Samoa following a valuable professional engagement in the United States. For the first time, the Nevada National Guard hosted an exchange program in the Silver State, bringing together disaster management professionals. During this engagement, AC Autagāvaia represented the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) joined by Senior representatives from Disaster Management Office (DMO) of Samoa.

As part of the program, the delegation visited several emergency response and disaster management facilities across Northern Nevada, gaining first-hand exposure to international emergency management systems, coordination structures, and operational practices.

During the engagement, AC Autagāvaia also worked closely with the Reno Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) and emergency response professionals, including Mason Burkhart, a Flight Paramedic and Supervisor at REMSA, as well as an instructor for International Trauma Life Support (ITLS). These interactions provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange in pre-hospital medical services, emergency response coordination, and disaster preparedness.

AC Autagāvaia’s participation in this exchange has provided important insights that will contribute to strengthening operational practices, training, and coordination within the Integrated Emergency Medical Response (IEMR) Department. Exposure to international emergency response systems and pre-hospital care models will further enhance professional capacity and knowledge sharing within SFESA.

This historic exchange also reflects the growing cooperation between Samoa and international emergency management partners. The lessons and experiences gained through this program will help inform future planning, preparedness, and response strategies, ensuring that Samoa’s emergency services continue to evolve and effectively respond to the challenges of disaster and emergency management.