National Ambulance and University of Sharjah Open Registration for 2019 Emirati EMT Programme to Increase Career Opportunities for UAE Nationals

Abu Dhabi, March 04, 2019:  National Ambulance has today announced the opening of registration for the third year of its innovative Emirati Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programme. Starting today, and running until 14 April, UAE Nationals, who meet the entry requirements, can apply for the one-year training programme, offered in partnership with the of Sharjah (UOS). The programme provides a professional qualification in pre- care and a guaranteed offer of a job at National Ambulance to those successfully completing the programme.

The Emirati EMT programme, accredited by the Department of - Abu Dhabi, is in line with UAE government’s Emiritisation plans by training and preparing local people to serve on the frontline in support of the community, providing UAE Nationals with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the vital medical emergency care. This year’s course will start in September and take place over the academic year 2019-2020 at the Clinical and Surgical Training Centre at the of Sharjah's of Medicine.  

This year’s programme follows the success of the first two years, with the first graduating 13 Emirati EMTs and the second concluding in June with the participation of 26 students after the completion of the practical training and field work rotations as part of the last phase of the programme given under the guidance of National Ambulance’s Operations team. Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, CEO of National Ambulance said: “Our Emirati EMT programme has proved to be a huge success in attracting local talent and providing them career opportunities in the vital sector. The programme has doubled in size since it began, and we intend to expand it even further as we look to continue serving the community in the Northern Emirates.” 

Al Hajeri called on Emirati youth to register in the programme and join National Ambulance in serving the community, “The value of helping others is a feature of the ‘Year of Tolerance’. Every day our crews make a difference and help people, which is a value deep rooted in UAE society. So, I would call on all Emirati youth to rise to the challenge and sign up to our Emirati EMT programme.” 

Al Hajeri’s call was echoed by those who have already participated in the programme. Ghida Baroot, Emirati EMT at National Ambulance said: “Nothing compares to the value of saving someone’s life and that inner feeling of satisfaction after successfully responding and completing a mission.  I have benefited greatly from the programme, and I look forward to seeing more of my Emirati brothers and sisters joining and exceling in this field.” 

Mayed Al Blooshi, a student in the second intake of the programme, spoke about the importance of serving the community. He said: “I had a dream since childhood to become someone who can provide help for those who need it. Soon I will graduate and become an EMT who will prove himself to his community and this could not be achieved without the support of the UAE leadership and National Ambulance which helped me achieve my ambition! I hope I will prove to be the right person to take on this responsibility, we are the sons of this nation and it is our duty to defend and serve it.” 

Al Hajeri also stressed the importance of integrating local knowledge into national crews and the added value it brings to the critical emergency medical sector. He pointed out that the continuation of the programme is a strategic objective in line with UAE’s vision to invest and build sustainable programmes to develop Emirati competencies that enhance the emergency services in the country while, empowering Emirati youth and preparing them to work in vital sectors that support the sustainable development of the UAE.  

Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Sciences Colleges at of Sharjah, said: “The of Sharjah is committed to supporting this programme, which has proved a remarkable success by graduating Emirati EMTs who are prepared and ready to serve their communities and meet the needs of the needs of the UAE emergency sector.  It is very important that we all work together and coordinate our efforts to contribute to providing world-class healthcare, one of the six pillars of the National Agenda for Vision 2021.”  

Candidates are accepted in the programme according to a set of criteria where candidates must be a UAE National, be at least 18 years of age and not over 35, have completed UAE National Service (for male applicants), have a diploma or equivalent, have good command of , pass the selection interview, and have or are in process of applying for a UAE Driving License. 

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. The programme consists of three modules: a ‘Foundation’ module handled by the of Sharjah; a ‘Core’ module based on international academic curriculum and an ‘Operations’ module based on practical training and in field rotations managed and led by National Ambulance.

Interested candidates should visit www.nationalambulance.ae/emt to apply and find more information about the programme. They can apply online until 14 April or submit their application in person by attending any of the open day interviews National Ambulance will be organising at the of Sharjah with specific dates to be announced in the near future.   

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