By ZiMining Reporter
DISCOVERY Ambulance Services has launched an emergency services training academy to address the critical shortage of skilled personnel in the field, offering hands-on, world-class training designed to prepare graduates for the demanding realities of emergency care.
The yawning skills gap in Zimbabwe’s emergency medical services sector has sparked the creation of a new academy by Discovery Ambulance Services, aiming to equip a new generation of highly trained professionals to fill this void. The academy, officially licensed and started its first courses on 30 September, is designed to provide a comprehensive solution for the country’s emergency health care challenges.
David Munowenyu, the founder and CEO of Discovery Ambulance Services, shared his vision behind the new academy. “We are offering hands-on training conducted by highly skilled personnel, using world-class training facilities to mould our students into industry experts,” Munowenyu explained, noting the immediate demand for skilled technicians.
Real-World Training for Real Emergencies
The academy’s flagship course, the Ambulance Technician Programme, spans six weeks, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, on-the-ground experience. “With our ever-increasing fleet of ambulances, there’s ample opportunity for practicals, and we’re committed to offering employment to our top graduates,” Munowenyu stated.
He emphasised the unique approach of the course, which focuses on emergency medicine. “Our graduates are trained to handle patients with acute, often undiagnosed conditions, where every second counts before comprehensive clinical or diagnostic information is available,” Munowenyu said. This critical thinking and rapid response training equips students to make split-second decisions that can save lives.
A Pathway to Professional Independence
The academy’s programmes are aligned with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe (AHPCZ), ensuring that graduates are fully certified to practice independently. Munowenyu highlighted the academy’s goal of fostering reflective practice, autonomy, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
“We aim to develop not only skilled practitioners but lifelong learners who will continue to innovate and improve the quality of pre-hospital care,” Munowenyu added. This commitment to continuous education ensures that graduates remain on the cutting edge of emergency medicine long after completing the course.
Diverse Training Options
Besides the Ambulance Technician course, the academy offers a range of other specialised programmes. These include first aid training, mine rescue, water rescue, and emergency medical dispatcher training. Each course is tailored to meet specific needs within the community, with a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application.
This new training academy represents a lifeline not only for the healthcare industry but for communities across the country. In regions where medical help can be hours away, the availability of skilled ambulance technicians can make the difference between life and death.
Setting Higher Expectations for Emergency Care
By investing in the training of future emergency medical personnel, Discovery Ambulance Services aims to transform the country’s emergency care landscape. The academy’s focus on excellence, through state-of-the-art practical training and adherence to international standards, establishes a higher level for healthcare providers in Zimbabwe.
With more initiatives like this, the possibility of bridging the health gap across the nation becomes a reality. The ultimate goal remains simple but profound: saving more lives.
