Emergency medical technicians course opens in Accra

The Military needs to improve on its health delivery services, in order to handle challenges anytime there are industrial disputes in the health sector, Brigadier-General Ralph Kodjo Ametepi, Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, has said.

He said the training of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) for the Military would enhance the work of the health personnel who are always overwhelmed during industrial labour disputes in the health sector.

Brig Gen Ametepi said this at the opening of the second batch of EMT’s Course for 80 personnel in Accra.

The personnel comprising 38 women would undergo 18 month training in life saving procedures for both civilians and soldiers.

The course is collaboration between Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service and Ghana Ambulance Service.

Personnel are expected to acquire skills in the treatment of shock, assisting in child birth, management of patients with behavioural disorders and initiation of treatment for poisoned and burned victims.

The Commander of the 37 Military Hospital said a robust medical support system in the Military is crucial because it provides confidence and upholds the morale of both ailing soldiers and the public.

He said during emergency situations, physicians are not always available to treat the injured and the EMT’s are in the frontline providing basic and emergency medical treatment.

Brig Gen Ametepi said the EMT’s assist medical officers in caring for the sick and injured patients and expressed happiness with the performance of the 66 personnel who were trained two years ago.

“I must admit that the first batch of the Military’s EMT are doing a wonderful job and they have proved that their training is worthwhile,” he added.

Professor Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Ambulance Service, said the programme, which started two years ago had borne fruits.

He said civilians who do not have basic skills in emergency training tend to have challenges in their work, hence the need to train them to save lives in hospitals and elsewhere.

Prof Zakariah said in cases of industrial actions in the medical profession, all the load is referred to the Military Hospitals.

He said sixty-six military officers who underwent the training have been dispatched to the various units of the 37 Military Hospital and they are saving lives adding: “The training we are offering you will not only be to the benefit of the Military alone but to the public as a whole.”

He told the participants that in line with international standards, they would be taken through basic principles of resuscitation, control of haemorrhage and administration of oxygen, among others.