KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health stressed the importance of the role of emergency medical personnel in saving lives and their continuous efforts around-the-clock in dealing with emergency reports, transferring patients and securing various events in the country.
Delivering a speech during the celebration of the third Kuwait Ambulance Day on Saturday, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services at the Ministry of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Fars emphasized the importance of the efforts of emergency medical personnel and their major role in improving health services and ensuring a quick and effective response to emergencies.
Dr Al-Fars praised the performance of the members of the Medical Emergency Department during the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship (Khaleeji Zain 26) hosted by Kuwait and their clear presence in major accidents, including fires, stressing that they are "a safety valve for society.” He said the continuation of support and development is necessary to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in the health sector.
Director of the Medical Emergency Department Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti said in his speech during the celebration that Kuwait Ambulance Day aims to enhance awareness of the importance of ambulance services and the vital role they play in saving lives including providing first aid. Dr Al-Shatti added that the celebration also seeks to motivate individuals and communities to participate in volunteer work in the field of ambulance and medical services, renewing the pledge to give more for Kuwait on the occasion of the national holidays.
He explained that the celebration also aims to honor ambulance workers, including paramedics and health practitioners, and appreciate their efforts for their great contributions to society. Al-Shatti said that "humanity in times of crisis shows the highest meanings of heroism, and Kuwaiti ambulance is not just a medical service, but a symbol of sacrifice and loyalty.”
"Emergency medical technicians are the heroes who are on the front lines in times of crisis and respond to the call of duty with courage and professionalism,” he said. He said the work of emergency medical technicians around the clock, facing challenges and enduring pressures in order to save lives and provide the necessary care to those in need, explain that their role is not limited to transporting patients only.
Rather, it extends to include assessing the medical condition, providing first aid, and providing psychological support in times of crisis. He mentioned that last year’s achievements include responding to more than 174,000 reports and 1,000 requests for air ambulance, and transporting more than 78 cases via the medical evacuation service, with a response rate ranging from seven to 11 minutes. This is in addition to the presence of more than 17,000 graduates from community first aid courses within the "A Paramedic in Every Home” campaign.
Dr Al-Shatti noted the increase in evacuation and emergency exercises, reached 97 exercises in various government and private facilities, simulating more than one scenario for hypothetical risks, noting that the training department provided 279 professional courses of various types, from which 2,815 people benefited. — KUNA