Accra: The Ghana National Ambulance Service (GNAS) has firmly denied allegations that its Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are inadequately trained, stressing that such claims could undermine public confidence in emergency healthcare services.
According to Ghana Web, the GNAS issued a press release in response to remarks made by Professor Agyeman-Badu Akosa, who chairs the Health Minister's committee investigating the death of Charles Amissah. During an appearance on Channel One TV's Point of View on May 20, Professor Akosa reportedly described the EMTs as 'poorly trained,' a statement that has sparked widespread discussion about the preparedness of Ghana's emergency responders.
The GNAS labeled the comment as sweeping and unfortunate, highlighting its potential to damage public trust in a vital public health institution. The management emphasized that EMTs undergo thorough theoretical and practical training, conducted by a team of doctors, emergency physicians, paramedics, and nurse specialists. The Service assured that all personnel are certified to practice within their approved scope and are regularly evaluated to ensure they meet operational standards.
The Service highlighted its over two decades of experience in providing pre-hospital emergency care, addressing thousands of cases involving medical emergencies, road accidents, disasters, and inter-facility transfers. It argued that the suggestion of poor training does a disservice to responders working under challenging and high-pressure conditions to save lives.
Despite rejecting the claim, the GNAS expressed support for the investigative committee's efforts to enhance emergency healthcare delivery. It revealed plans to review and expand its curriculum for both Basic and Advanced EMT programs, aiming to modernize training and improve service delivery nationwide. Additionally, the Service plans to elevate certificate-based EMT training to diploma and degree-awarding programs, aligning with international best practices. The GNAS remains dedicated to continuous professional development through regular refresher courses and capacity-building initiatives for EMTs.
The Service reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to delivering timely, professional, and quality pre-hospital emergency care services to the people of Ghana.