News:
August 27, 2013
A total of 238 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recruits on Monday passed out from the Fire Academy and Training School in Accra after successfully undergoing training for a year.
Dr. Alfred Sugri Tia, Deputy Minister of Health, in an address at the passing out parade, said the number, would augment the current 451 EMT staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), bringing the total of emergency staff to 689.
He said government is committed to ensuring that health service delivery was brought to the door steps of every one living within the country, hence the investment in preparedness and mitigation initiatives that would protect the lives of residents and other stakeholders.
The Ministry was also working towards the upgrading and enhancement of all emergency facilities to respond efficiently to emergency needs of the citizenry.
He explained that the recruits, who constitute the sixth batch of EMT-Basics to pass out from the training school, would be posted to the various NAS stations to form a strong team, who would be relied upon to provide professional emergency care to the people of Ghana.
Dr Tia stated that the Ministry further recognizes the need to build a high level of preparedness in communities, with emphasis on equipping every household with adequate knowledge and heightened awareness, to minimize any damage to life or property should a disaster strike.
“I am proud to note that our EMS team was able to respond with admirable speed, efficiency and expertise to the cargo air crash accident and the Melcolm Disaster, both of which occurred in our country in recent times”, he said.
He commended the emergency team of the NAS for their untiring dedication to modernizing and improving the service system to meet world class standards.
He, however, reminded them of the fact that people’s lives depended on the quick reaction and competent care of ENTs and Paramedics during emergencies and these required renewed commitments on the part of these professionals to achieve the goal of preventive deaths, and trauma among other things during disaster and accidents.
He urged the graduates to be committed to duty at all times and to be concerned about their clients always.
Four categories of awards were presented, with Mr Eric Agbenohevi taking the Overall Best student, Mr Lawson Anati, Best in Foot Drills, Mr Isreal Mensah, Best in Academics and Ms Kafui Penti, Director’s Award.
GNA