Ebola Scare: National Ambulance Training Conference held

Eighty three ambulance service providers are reported to have died during the course of their duties from Ebola in three Western African countries.

In Liberia out of the 1,459 casualties, 61 are ambulance service staff, Sierra Leone, 14 had passed on out of 562 cases, while Guinea had lost 8 out of 601 casualties.

A Ghanaian World Certified Expert and an Ebola Consultant, Dr Samuel Sagoe disclosed this at a National Ambulance Training Conference in Kumasi. 

The purpose of the conference is to develop and strengthen the National Ambulance Service Emergency Medical Care Systems in Ghana with the aim of improving the health of the population and meeting expectations for access to emergency care.

Almost all the relevant officers in the Ambulance Service attended the two day conference which discussed among others, National Epidemic Preparedness; Role of National Ambulance Service as a Key Team Member, Referral of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever, Environmental and vehicle disinfection and use of protective clothing.

Dr Sagoe who has been in all the Ebola epidemic countries including East Africa and Congo where Ebola was first reported in 1976 said the role in fighting the Ebola and the health of ambulance service providers are very crucial.

He said since the death of some ambulance staff was reported, many patients were finding it extremely difficult to be transported to medical facilities as well as the isolated camps.

Dr Sagoe said it is very important the service staff is educated well to make handling of any Ebola reported case safer and effective In order to avoid preventable casualties.

The Chief Executive of the National Ambulance Service, Professor Ahmed Zakariah said the Ebola epidemic in the sub-region is a tragedy; unfortunately, the response to it has been a big challenge.

According to him, recognizing that improved organization and planning for the provision of emergency care is an essential part of integrated healthcare delivery.

It also plays an important role in preparedness for and response to mass casualty incidents, and can also lower mortality, reduce disability and prevent other adverse health outcomes arising from the injuries recorded every day.

Prof Zakariah is of the view that additional efforts should be made to strengthen provision of emergency care so as to ensure timely and effective delivery to those who need it in the context of overall healthcare system.

GBC