NZMTS: Emergency Medical Response training successfully delivered to Samoa’s health workforce

Updates / News, 29 Aug 24

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA), through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) which is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is pleased to have supported Samoa's Ministry of Health in emergency response preparation, through the Emergency Life Support (ELS) training programme last month.

The two-week course was conducted in Savai’i and Upolu, targeting local doctors and nursing staff. The primary aim of the ELS course is to enhance the emergency response capabilities of medical professionals. The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) deployed six Emergency Consultants and three Emergency Services Nurses.

Deputy Director General of Health, Dr Atoa Glenn Fatupaito, explains the programme's purpose in empowering clinical staff with specialised skills in emergency settings.

"The course has been implemented with success in several other countries including Fiji, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Most importantly, ELS teaching revolves around a partnership with local emergency doctors and nurses."

This is the second year the training has been delivered and it is part of Samoa’s preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in October. This major event that will see Samoa welcoming an influx of world leaders and visitors, heightening the need for emergency readiness.

Medical Officer for the Sataua District Hospital, Dr. Tito Junior Jerome Kamu, reflects on the immense value of the programme.

"This workshop was a great help for me as doctor as it was a refresher course on the common emergency cases presented in real life practice and emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork."

"It was also a good learning platform for our nursing staff that attended.”

Dr Kamu also underscores the unique challenges faced in the rural health sector of Savai’i and how the workshop addressed these obstacles.

“The ELS course is a significant step forward in enhancing the emergency medical skills of our Samoan health workforce. The training addressed the unique challenges faced in local emergency scenarios, ensuring that participants are better prepared to manage critically unwell patients.”

The NZMTS aims to support and strengthen health workforce capacity in countries through comprehensive training and the development of systems and protocols.

Photosource: Samoa Observer

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