Written by Joana.

Since returning to Kenya in January I have been involved in a course to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1). I had been looking forward to doing this for a long time and it truly is a dream come true.  My training is being provided by Avenue Hospital, which is a small but very competent health facility that contains one of the best emergency response teams in Nairobi.  Actually, Emergency Medical Systems are relatively new to Kenya.  It was only after the Nairobi bomb blasts in 1998 that the government recognized the need to invest in quality emergency personnel, as well as disaster management plans.  Hence was born Kenya Counsel of Emergency Technicians.

Most of my current instructors are some of the first EMT’s here and were trained by American trainers sent to aid Kenya. They are very dedicated and admirable people who have risked their lives to save others during the election violence in 2007 and countless other cases.  Kenya certainly has come a long way where EMS is concerned, but there is still need for improvement. For the most part, there are not enough EMT’s, and currently, the few main hospitals and organizations supply aid for the whole nation! The goal is to have an ambulance service in every county.  During my training, I am meeting so many dedicated individuals; a fellow classmate has even shared his dream of taking EMS to Tanzania, where it is virtually non-existent. I feel privileged to be a part of this great journey that Kenya is making.

My course is quite intensive. We are thoroughly trained to respond efficiently and competently to all kinds of emergencies; from simple transfer calls to accidents to crime scenes to wide-spread disasters.  I study alongside Kenyans who are proud to educate me in Kenyan customs and culture and even teach me a bit of Swahili. Some days have been stressful and also physically challenging, but mostly I am enjoying it.

Because of the nature of the profession (ambulance driving required) I have commenced driving lessons this month.  Very laid-back sessions, true Kenyan style, with my instructor drinking soda as we drive on my first day of classJ And it s fun!

In may I will have completed the initial training, us new EMT s (hopefully) will then be taken to two hospitals for internship and evaluation. The first is Avenue Hospital which will be a pleasant warm up by doing calls with senior EMT s and getting the feel of the environment. Then we will go to Bhagathi, which is government hospital.  I have already heard all the horror stories. Previous EMT students have informed me that they were called on to perform doctor tasks that are out of their scope of practice, due to serious lack of medical personnel. I am sure it will be quite an experience and what I’ll learn will be priceless.

Well, that s a summary of what s been going on here for me. I thank everyone for all those prayers that I need so very much. God willing I will be able to accomplish all that God has put before me.  ‘And be not ye weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not’ (Gal 6:9)