The National Ambulance Service (NAS) in Ghana has conducted a three-day training programme for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to enhance their skills and confidence in using medical equipment. The programme, held from September 29 to October 1 at Anita Hotel in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, brought together EMTs, senior NAS officials, and experienced facilitators. The training aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge to effectively use emergency medical equipment and provide safe, timely, and appropriate care to patients.
The training programme, part of NAS's 2026 Equipment Training and Capacity Building Programme for EMTs in the Middle Zone, focused on building the capacity of frontline emergency care workers. According to Dr. George Kojo Owusu, CEO of NAS, strengthening the Service's operational capacity requires investing in the people responsible for delivering emergency care. He emphasized that while efforts are being made to return more ambulances to service, the knowledge, skills, and confidence of EMTs are equally crucial for effective emergency response.
Dr. Owusu updated participants on steps being taken to secure accreditation for the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School (PECTS). The accreditation would enable the institution to issue recognized certificates to EMTs who complete their training. This development is expected to enhance the credibility and professionalism of EMTs in Ghana. The CEO also disclosed that NAS would engage stakeholders on concerns related to transporting unstable patients and work towards developing standard protocols to guide emergency care and ambulance operations.
During the training, participants were taken through the details of emergency medical equipment and procedures. Paramedic Specialist Mohammed N. Mahama led the training sessions, which began immediately after the opening ceremony. The training team, led by Dr. Nyame, provided an overview of the programme, ensuring that participants gained practical knowledge and skills to enhance their performance.
Dr. Owusu encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, ask questions, and share the knowledge gained with colleagues at their respective stations. He also urged EMTs to recognize the limits of their professional scope and seek appropriate assistance when faced with cases requiring additional expertise. The CEO emphasized that despite some ambulances being grounded, NAS remains committed to providing life-saving care to patients across the country.
The training programme is part of NAS's efforts to strengthen the delivery of quality pre-hospital emergency care across Ghana. By building the capacity of its workforce, NAS aims to ensure that EMTs are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies and provide high-quality care to patients. The programme also highlights the importance of investing in the frontline workforce, who are critical to the delivery of emergency care services.
The National Ambulance Service's efforts to enhance the skills and confidence of EMTs have been recognized as crucial to improving emergency care in Ghana. With the training programme, NAS is taking steps to ensure that EMTs are equipped to provide safe, timely, and appropriate care to patients. The programme is also expected to contribute to the development of standard protocols for emergency care and ambulance operations, ultimately enhancing the quality of emergency care services in Ghana.
Key points
- NAS trains EMTs to improve emergency care in Ghana
- Training programme aims to enhance skills and confidence of EMTs
- Accreditation for PECTS to enhance credibility of EMTs
