National Ambulance’s inaugural Emirati EMT programme kicks off

A ceremony held on Monday at the University of Sharjah, UoS, marked the start of National Ambulance’s Emirati Emergency Medical Technician, EMT, initiative.

Twenty-five local students, who passed the rigorous entry process, gathered for their orientation, which signalled the commencement of the year-long training programme. It has been designed to provide UAE nationals in the Northern Emirates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in emergency health services.

Every year, the programme, which is being delivered in collaboration with the UoS and Charles Sturt University, will train and prepare local people to serve on the frontline in support of the community.

Commenting on the occasion, Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, Deputy CEO of National Ambulance, said, "This is a very significant and exciting milestone for National Ambulance. Today sees the first group of UAE nationals join our ground-breaking EMT programme as the first step to a career with the team at National Ambulance. We hope these pioneers are the first of many to rise to the challenge and take on the responsibility of serving the community on the frontline of medical emergency service provision."

"It makes me very proud to see so many keen and talented Emiratis here today who will add great value to National Ambulance and inspire a new generation of UAE nationals in the emergency medical service. Today marks a major milestone in National Ambulance’s journey to support the community and the objectives of the UAE," said Robert Ball, CEO of National Ambulance.

The full-time programme offers UAE nationals the opportunity to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to take up a full-time position as an EMT with National Ambulance. This year’s successful candidates will be taken through a training programme comprising a ‘Foundation’ module handled by the University of Sharjah, a ‘Core’ module based on Charles Sturt University’s curriculum, and an ‘Operations’ module led by National Ambulance. Graduates will join the National Ambulance workforce immediately.

"We are delighted to host this programme, which is the first training programme targeting Emiratis to become EMTs in the Northern Emirates. The course is in line with the UoS and the College of Medicine's vision in supporting programmes that graduate experts in all areas serving the community as well as the directives of both H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, and Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of the University of Sharjah," said Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor of the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at UoS.