69 Soldiers, civilian staff undergo emergency medical technician training in Accra

Sixty-Nine military officers and civilian staff have passed out of Batch Four of Military Emergency Medical Technicians (MEMTs) at a ceremony at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra yesterday.

The event followed a 12-month training designed to equip the military personnel with skills and knowledge on emergency medical care.

The training formed part of the Ghana Armed Forces' (GAF) effort to enhance its medical emergency response capabilities.

The graduating class comprised 43 soldiers from various units of GAF, 20 defence civilian staff and six civilians.

Vision

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, who was the Reviewing Officer, said the vision of GAF was to deploy MEMTs nationwide as first responders, working seamlessly with NAS to provide timely and quality care.

He said that the fusion of military discipline and medical expertise would create a unique blend of skills that would enhance emergency medical responses across the country.

Rear Admiral Yakubu urged the graduates to remain vigilant in their commitment to improving emergency medical services in the country.

"The need for effective and efficient emergency care is more critical than ever," he said, adding that the graduates have pivotal roles to play in that regard, since their actions can save lives, relieve suffering and restore hope to those in need.

Rear Admiral Yakubu further admonished the graduating class to maintain discipline in their service, be empathetic and compassionate towards patients and open to learning.

For his part, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Medical) of the GAF, Major General Raymond K. Ewusi, lauded both facilitators and the graduates for their commitment.

He urged the graduates to exhibit good conduct and be examples in their service delivery wherever they were deployed.

Collaboration

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Professor Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah, described the collaboration between the Ambulance Service and GAF over the years as very useful, resulting in the passing out of 28 MEMTs since the inception of the training programme in 2013.

"By blending military discipline with specialised medical training, we are creating a cadre of professionals who are equipped to respond to emergencies with precision and urgency," he said.

Prof. Zakariah also said that the partnership between the two institutions reflected the nation's preparedness to tackle emergencies, ranging from natural disasters to battlefield injuries.

The CEO urged the graduates to remain true to the ethics of the profession and be prepared when called upon to serve at all times.

Awards

The ceremony, which featured a simulation exercise from NAS, GAF and the Ghana Police Service, saw four officers receiving awards for distinguishing themselves.

Sargent Daniel Botchway emerged as the Overall Best Student and Best in Academics, while Lance Corporal Peter Amankwah was the Best in Practicals.

Warrant Officer I Kwame Asare-Danso received the most Dedicated Student Award, while Corporal Portia Nkrumah was adjudged Best Female Student.