National Ambulance and University of Sharjah Celebrate Graduation of Third Batch of the Emirati EMT

Abu Dhabi, 01 April 2021:  National Ambulance and the University of Sharjah (UOS), on Tuesday, celebrated the graduation of 33 Emirati students from batch 3 of the Emirati Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programme with a virtual ceremony attended by Dr. Eng. Hussein Al Harthi, Chairman of National Ambulance Board of Directors, Mohammad Al Nuimi, Board Member, Ahmed Al Hajeri, National Ambulance Chief Executive Officer, Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at University of Sharjah (UOS), and a number of officials from National Ambulance and UOS, and the graduates.

The programme was established four years ago by National Ambulance, in partnership with the University of Sharjah, to provide UAE Nationals with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the vital medical emergency care and prepare them to serve on the frontline in support of the community. This year, the programme, in line with UAE Government’s Emiritisation plans, had the largest intake since it started, bringing the number of Emirati EMTs at National Ambulance to around 60 who are all serving on the frontline of emergency medical services.

On the occasion, Dr. Eng. Hussein Al Harthi, Chairman of National Ambulance’s Board of Directors expressed his pride in the graduates noting that this event is an important milestone which reflects the giving nature and ability of Emirati youth in overcoming obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities in a country that does not know the impossible and under a wise leadership that puts the UAE citizen as a primary focus and harnesses all capabilities for the progress and growth of human capital, and provide all means to support its people in fulfilling their potential and ambitions.

Al Harthi also confirmed that the EMT Graduates have become an asset to the nation, asking them to step up to the level of the responsibility and commitment, be faithful to their country and expressed his confidence in their ability to perform their duties and serve the communities in the first line of defense.

Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, National Ambulance CEO, said: “This group of young men and women have risen to the challenge of facing exceptional circumstances caused by Covid-19 to achieve their ambitions and goals in joining their colleagues in the service to work together on the frontline to maintain the health and safety of society. Our graduates represent the giving of Emirati youth, who are committed to serving their country and its leadership.”

Al Hajeri added: “Working in the emergency medical service is a noble and a humane profession, based on compassion, tolerance and sincere work in helping others. Today, those graduates pledge to be frontline workers loyal in the service of their country, preserving the knowledge and all what they learned and investing it in serving the community, ensuring people’s safety and saving lives without discrimination.”

Al Hajeri extended his sincere gratitude to all the parties involved and their efforts in supporting the success of the Emirati Emergency Medical Technician Programme, which comes in line with the vision of the UAE leadership and its unlimited support given towards the development of national cadres and institutions. He thanked the University of Sharjah and its academic team for their vital role in the success of this national programme. He also expressed his thanks to National Ambulance departments, which made every effort to equip students with the knowledge, training and support to help them graduate from the programme.

Professor Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for the Medical and Health Sciences Colleges at University of Sharjah and the Dean of the College of Medicine, expressed his sincere appreciation and thankfulness towards the support provided by 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, and their contribution to the success of the programme. He also expressed his happiness with the graduation of the third batch of Emirati EMTs through the cooperation between National Ambulance and the University of Sharjah in training Emirati Emergency Medical Technicians to serve UAE communities. He explained that this collaboration came in response to an urgent need for highly qualified and trained national emergency medical professionals, who have the local insight and knowledge and are prepared to provide pre-hospital care for critical cases and accidents.

The Emirati Emergency Medical Technician programme was established by National Ambulance in partnership with the University of Sharjah in 2017. It is based on international best practice from both an academic and a practical perspective, and is designed to provide UAE Nationals with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the field of emergency medical care. The programme provides a professional diploma Emergency Medical Technician and a guaranteed offer of a job at National Ambulance to those successfully completing it.