Konfitma 2023 training begins

Konfitma 2023, a series of training scenarios curated to help prepare CNMI front-liners for dangerous situations, officially started yesterday, with Saipan’s streets crawling with emergency vehicles and first responders.

Sirens could be heard from nearly every direction on Saipan as first responders responded to simulated real-life scenarios like active shootings, mass care, and biochemical cleanups as part of their Konfitma 2023 training.

Participants included the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Department of Corrections, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and the Guam National Guard’s Civil Support team. Also joining yesterday’s training were the Saipan Airsoft Group and cadets of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.

In total, about 179 first responders and volunteers participated in the Konfitma training.

According to HSEM spokesperson Bernard Villagomez, the second day of training will include training scenarios like a hostage situation, active shooter, and response to an improvised explosive device.

“The training is to improve our local agencies’ capabilities to responding to different emergency situations. Although we don’t want real situations like these to happen, in case they do, then through the help of this kind of training, we are better prepared for them,” he said.

In an interview with DPS spokesperson Fred Sato, he said Konfitma is beneficial for DPS officers as well as other first responders because it helps prepare front-liners.

“This training is crucial. Incidents like these—active shooters, biochemical hazards, etc.—these kinds of trainings really help prepare the front-liners to better approach these kinds of incidents and how to manage and contain the scene should it happen,” he said.

“We always look forward to these kinds of trainings because every incident is different. The training also mentally prepares officers. Although there is a difference in the mental aspect of exercises compared to real-life situations, at least with this training, when officers get to a scene, they have a general idea of what to do,” he added.

In addition, Sato said, Konfitma brings all CNMI front-liners together and helps them work in sync, which is crucial in real-life situations.

“We’re also working with partners like DFEMS, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, etc. It essentially helps keep us in sync with one another when it comes to scenarios like these,” Sato said.

Sato said Konfitma also gives the community an idea of what the island scene will be like in case of dangerous situations that involve the entire community.

“Although it may be a slight inconvenience for these next few days, it’s all part of giving our front-liners and community members an idea of what it will be like in a real-life situation,” he said.