National Ambulance Service CEO Calls for Advanced Emergency Equipment Amid Distribution of Critical Supplies in Accra

Dr. George Kojo Owusu, CEO of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), has intensified calls for increased investment in pre-hospital emergency care, urging the government to equip ambulances with advanced life-saving tools. This appeal comes as the Service actively distributes critical medical supplies to stations across the Greater Accra Region to bolster frontline response capabilities. The NAS aims to transform the public perception and functionality of ambulances from mere transport vehicles into mobile clinical environments where life-saving decisions and procedures occur before a patient even reaches the hospital. By prioritizing technology and training, the Service seeks to significantly improve patient survival rates across the country.

The recent distribution of equipment follows the challenges posed by the June 29 floods, which underscored the vital role of emergency services during natural disasters. To enhance readiness, the NAS has provided various stations with essential items including trolleys, gloves, and glucometers. During an emergency preparedness meeting, Dr. Owusu emphasized that these supplies are crucial for improving the quality of pre-hospital care, especially in areas frequently affected by drainage issues and flash flooding. This initiative serves as a direct response to the immediate needs of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are often the first point of contact for trauma and medical emergencies in the capital.

Beyond basic supplies, Dr. Owusu is advocating for a paradigm shift toward advanced life support. Speaking at a Performance Review in Accra, he highlighted that effective emergency care begins the moment a citizen dials the 112 emergency number. He explained that the process includes call-takers providing CPR instructions and EMTs making critical clinical decisions on-site. To achieve higher survival rates, the CEO stressed that ambulances must be equipped "beyond stretchers and sirens," requiring significant investment in technology, specialized training for personnel, and expedited patient transfer protocols. He urged both the government and private partners to view emergency medicine as a critical pillar of the national health infrastructure.

As the NAS continues to push for modernization, the Service is also calling on the public to support these efforts by facilitating the movement of ambulances on the road and utilizing the emergency contact system responsibly. The ultimate goal is to transition from basic first aid to a comprehensive system of advanced medical intervention. By strengthening the partnership between the government, healthcare partners, and the community, the NAS hopes to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to high-quality emergency medical services that can mean the difference between life and death during critical incidents.