Emergency care capabilities at Fortis Healthcare Limited have got a major fillip with the first batch of paramedics at Fortis Healthcare Limited, completing a rigorous 1,200-hour Emergency Medical Paramedic Training programme, conducted in collaboration with the University of Utah, United States of America. The 11-month programme, based on the exacting standards of the US National Emergency Medical Services, is the first of its kind to be conducted for paramedics in India.
Describing the evolution of this niche training programme, Mr. Ashish Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer, Fortis Healthcare, said, “What started as a knowledge-sharing and training collaboration during the 2009 Commonwealth Games in Delhi has now developed into a structured training programme that mirrors the strict requirements of US emergency medicine and yet, is tailored to suit Indian conditions. Our paramedics are now equipped to provide world-class emergency care based on internationally accepted as well as acclaimed protocols.”
The aim of this partnership is to produce highly competent emergency paramedics with training in initial recognition, evaluation, resuscitation and stabilisation of acute illness and injury in all patients. The programme was conducted by experts with specialised orientation in emergency medicine, with regular visits and academic inputs by expert trainers from the University of Utah.
Dr. Alok Srivastava, Head –Emergency Services and Ambulance Operations, Fortis Healthcare, explained, “After a tough screening process, selected paramedics were trained through classroom didactics and clinical postings at several hospitals including the emergency and trauma rooms, heart command centres, intensive care units and ambulance services. Modelled on the highest level of paramedic training at the University of Utah, this joint programme has equipped Fortis paramedics with skills and expertise to deal with emergencies across specialties.”
Fortis and the University of Utah are now working on the development and initiation of a full Emergency Medicine residency programme for physicians.
The eventual goal of the collaboration is to equip every ambulance in the Fortis system with paramedics trained under this strict programme. These highly trained professionals will integrate the ambulance programme into the overarching Fortis healthcare system, through direct radio contact with physicians and specialists at the receiving hospital, allowing speedy and seamless transition of the patient from the ambulance to the emergency room.
Fortis, India’s leading integrated healthcare provider, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Utah in January 2011 to jointly develop courses for paramedics and fellowship programmes for emergency physicians.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited:
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics and day care speciality. Currently, the company operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka with 65 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), over 10,000 potential beds, over 240 diagnostic centres and a team strength of more than 17,000 people.
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