70 MEMTs Pass Out

Inspection of parade by Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu

The National Ambulance Services in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Medical Services have trained some 70 personnel in pre-hospital care and management of the injured and sick persons.

This is aimed at safeguarding the lives of gallant soldiers and members of the public.

Batch three of the personnel constituting the Military Emergency Medical Technicians (MEMTs), were taken through an 18-month-course in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medicolegal issues to provide pre-hospital care services for the sick and injured persons at war fronts, domestic and other assigned duties.

Transport injured persons from operational points to the military health facility, provide standby emergency cover for military operations and how to liaise with other emergency services in time of disaster or mass causality.

The Director General, Medical Service. Brig. Gen. R.K. Ewusi in his speech highlighted the significant role of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in pre-hospital care noting that the lack of proper management of the injured and the sick increases fatalities.

He also added that  the first and second batch of personnel’s were deployed at 37 military hospitals, medical stations, and international peace support operations, saying, “ The impact these dedicated and hardworking technicians had on health delivery compelled the GAF medical service to train batch three”.

Gen. Ewusi further noted that 51 of those who passed out were drawn from various wings of the armed forces. These included 13 defense civilians’ staffs, and 5 civilians, with one dead.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, established that the army known for manpower emergency management in the country adopted the training of military officers. This was to incorporate emergency medical technicians into army healthcare delivery to respond quickly to emergency situations involving medical issues, traumatic injuries, and accident scenes.

“The training of these emergency technicians and the appropriate equipment would ensure expert handling and transport of casualties using internationally accepted standards. This would allow for early recovery, a shorter hospital stay, and lower mortality,” he said.

C.EO, National Ambulance Service, Prof. Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah on his part appealed to heads of security agencies to include emergency medical services in staff training curricula.

LAC Edzie Isaac Okotah was awarded the overall best students and best in academics, LCPL. Predaney Hannah as Best Female Award winner, LAC Manu Joseph Adu , Best In Practicals and CPL Boakye Priscilla as Most Dedicated Students. They were honoured with certificate and prices from sponsors.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke