HH Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Honours First Ever Graduates from National Ambulance’s Emirati EMT Programme

Abu Dhabi, June 21, 2018:In a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi yesterday, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, honoured the first ever graduates from the inaugural Emirati Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programme, launched by National Ambulance, in partnership with the University of Sharjah.

Sheikh Saif praised the 13 students, who successfully completed the year-long programme and will begin working as full time EMTs on the frontline in the Northern Emirates with National Ambulance. The ceremony was attended by Brigadier Abdullaziz Abdulla Alahmed, National Ambulance Board Member, Robert Ball, National Ambulance CEO, Ahmed Al Hajeri, National Ambulance Deputy CEO and Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at University of Sharjah.

Robert Ball, National Ambulance CEO, said, "The recognition provided by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is a welcome demonstration of the senior leadership's support of National Ambulance's Emiratisation strategy. Graduating in the Year of Zayed they are the torchbearers for others to follow and we are already looking forward to the next group of students starting their studies in September. While today is about the students being honoured, it is important that we recognise the support of the University of Sharjah."

Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, Deputy CEO of National Ambulance, expressed his thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support of National Ambulance initiatives and programmes and for honoring the students who graduated from this national programme. He also hailed the support received from the UAE leadership and all the strategic partners, including the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health and Prevention in supporting the programme. 

Commenting on her experience Aysha Al Saadi, an Emirati EMT Graduate, said, "This programme has truly changed my life! I have gained knowledge and skills that I will be able to use for a lifetime. I cannot wait to start serving my community and making a difference."

Another of the graduates, Noora Al Janahi, said, "I feel so proud today! I am happy that I chose to become an EMT because it greatly contributes to who I am today. I am very happy I have been part of such incredible journey and I would urge all local young people to pursue such a rewarding career."

Commenting on the success of the programme, Al Hajeri, said, "This is a special day and a remarkable achievement for the students, for National Ambulance, and for the UAE. The commitment and dedication shown by them in completing the programme reflects greatly on each and every one of them. Today we are proud to officially welcome them into our family and join us in serving the community and the nation in such a critical role. They are already inspiring others to follow in their footsteps."

Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at University of Sharjah, said, "This initiative has proved a great success for all involved. It has attracted outstanding students who are serious in learning and in the efforts of the training and teaching staff. We have succeeded in providing them with the necessary expertise, information and skills to accomplish their mission. This initiative comes in line with the university's direction to serve the community."

National Ambulance’s Emirati EMT Programme was launched in 2017 and was delivered in collaboration with the University of Sharjah. The year-long training programme is designed to provide UAE Nationals in the Northern Emirates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in emergency health services, and successful graduates are guaranteed employment with National Ambulance. The second year of the programme will commence in the 2018-2019 academic year with 50 students.

The full-time programme is based on an international best practice from both academic and practical perspective and consists of three modules: a ‘Foundation’ module handled by the University of Sharjah; a ‘Core’ module based on international academic curriculum and an ‘Operations’ module managed and led by National Ambulance.

National Ambulance provides emergency pre-hospital care in the Northern Emirates through the dedicated 998 emergency ambulance number and smart application. Its primary task is to handle public medical emergency response and provide high standards of emergency pre-hospital care to citizens, residents and visitors across the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah.