Doha 30 April 2013: Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Ambulance Service has conducted a specialist first aid training course for officers from the Coasts and Borders Security Department.

Around 25 officers from the Coast Guard completed the specialist first responder training, which covered critical first aid techniques, with experts from the Ambulance Service and the Hamad International Training Center (HITC).

The unique training program also included a week of "on the job" training with the Ambulance Service paramedics to see how these skills are used in the field.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Thani, Senior Commissions Officer at the Coasts and Borders Security Department said the training course gave his officers confidence in  their ability to provide timely first aid care to people in need.

"We have learnt a lot from it, and it has helped us fill the gaps in our practice. We are now assured that we will be able to better classify and manage injuries offshore, while making sure the patient reaches the shore safely," he said.

Sheikh Al Thani said it was now a requirement for all coast guards to complete this intensive and hands on course to improve their skills and enhance the service they offer to the public.

Mr. Brendon Morris, Chief Operations Officer of the Ambulance Service said the Coast Guard were the "Ambulances Service's important partners in extending care offshore".

"We are committed to providing the best patient care nationwide and I am delighted to see their commitment to help us extend that care offshore," he said.

As part of its efforts to better serve the public, the Ambulance Service is asking the public to play their part in helping to save lives in an emergency by following five simple steps:

  • Dial 999 immediately in case of a medical emergency.  
  • The Ambulance Service will not know to send help until they are called.
  • Know your location so the ambulance can find you easily. 

  • Answer all questions on the call so they know what support you need.  

  • Follow all instructions given by the emergency call handler; it could help save a life. 

  • Finally, the Ambulance Service asks for all drivers to give way to ambulances on the road.

-Ends-

About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the principal public healthcare provider for the State of Qatar. The Corporation manages eight hospitals along with further specialist clinical, educational and research facilities, and is growing in capacity each year around the diverse needs of the evolving population. HMC's ambition is to become an academic health system; a world leading center of excellence in clinical care, medical education and research that transforms into significant clinical advancements. 

HMC believes in excellence in healthcare, education and research with each supporting the other to provide world-class quality patient care in a safe and healing environment.

As well as four general hospitals situated in the most densely populated areas of Qatar, HMC also manages four specialist hospitals, looking after patients with the most prevalent conditions, including cancer, heart conditions, rehabilitation, and a hospital providing specialist treatment for women. HMC also operates the national Ambulance Service and a home healthcare service.

The Corporation was the first public healthcare system outside the United States to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for all hospitals simultaneously. JCI accreditation is based on quality and safety across all clinical and management functions.

HMC is also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

www.hamad.qa

© Press Release 2013