Kick-Off for National Ambulance’s Inaugural Emirati EMT Programme

Abu Dhabi, September 4, 2017: A ceremony held today at Sharjah University 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 signaled the commencement of the year-long training programme 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 University of Sharjah (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 to 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 front-line of medical emergency service provision." 

Robert Ball, CEO of National Ambulance, said: 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.” 

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 with modules consisting of: 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. Those that graduate from the programme will join National Ambulance workforce immediately. 

Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at the University of Sharjah, said: “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 University of Sharjah 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. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad 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.” 

Mohammed Ibrahim Habash, said: "This is a unique opportunity to advance my understanding in the theory and practice of such an important profession. While direct enrolment allows me to work in the field and be in daily contact with the community and serve the nation by saving the lives of others.” 

Zinab Mohammed, said: "I feel proud to be part of this pioneering training programme and hope it opens the door to many Emirati talented females to work in the emergency medical sector." 

While this year’s intake is now complete, every year National Ambulance will be inviting interested candidates who meet the entry requirements of the programme to apply in due course. To find out more about the programme please visit www.nationalambulance.ae/emt 

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 Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah.