Sawla District Hospital and NAS Collaborate on Basic Life Support Training for Healthcare Staff

As part of efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and improve clinical outcomes, Sawla District Hospital, in collaboration with the Sawla Ambulance Service Station, successfully held its annual Basic Life Support (BLS) training for healthcare staff on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.

The training aimed at strengthening the capacity of frontline health professionals in managing respiratory and cardiac arrest scenarios, a critical component of life-saving care in emergency situations.

Training Overview

The session was jointly organized by the hospital’s anesthetist team and the Sawla Ambulance Service Station, with overall coordination led by AEMT Saaka Ibrahim, who also serves as the Regional Public Relations Officer.

A proficient team of Emergency Medical Technicians facilitated the hands-on training:

• SEMT Tirogo Abdul Jafaru
• EMT Dramani Saluu Poyoyo
• SEMT Akati Ajara
• SEMT Iddisah Safo

Training Components

The day’s training was structured in two parts:

1. Theoretical Session

Led by AEMT Saaka Ibrahim, participants were guided through:

• The principles of early recognition and intervention in respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Identification of critical warning signs
• Proper activation of emergency response systems

2. Practical Demonstration

This highly interactive session allowed participants to gain hands-on experience in:

• Performing high-quality chest compressions and rescue breathing (CPR)
• Proper use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Engagement and Impact

Staff actively participated in the training through discussions, simulations, and practical drills. The program helped reinforce essential BLS techniques and empowered participants to respond swiftly and effectively during real emergencies.

Key outcomes of the training included:

• Enhanced knowledge of life support protocols
• Improved practical skills in administering CPR and using an AED
• Stronger collaboration between hospital staff and ambulance personnel, fostering a more coordinated approach to emergency care

Looking Ahead

The success of this training underscores the importance of regular and sustained professional development in emergency medicine. In light of this, the following recommendations have been proposed:

1. Routine refresher courses to maintain skill proficiency across all departments
2. Advanced emergency response training for interested personnel
3. Community-based outreach programs to extend life-saving skills to the general public

By investing in continuous capacity-building, Sawla District Hospital and the National Ambulance Service reaffirm their commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality care and improving survival outcomes within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.