– Advertisement –
Ambulance drivers within the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) have recently concluded a specialized training program focusing on emergency response techniques. The training, conducted at the School of Supply and Transport in Jinja City, involved sixty-six ambulance drivers.
The hands-on course covered a variety of essential skills, including rapid acceleration, maneuvering through tight turns, controlled braking, and other driving maneuvers crucial for operating vehicles during emergencies. Additionally, the six-month training incorporated aspects of military skills to equip drivers with basic combat knowledge.
Brigadier Chris Ogwal, the commandant of the Junior Staff College, emphasized the importance of military training for all UPDF recruits, even those not directly involved in combat roles. He noted that individuals in professional services like medicine, engineering, and teaching often overlook combat training, despite its potential usefulness during emergency situations.
Ogwal underscored the necessity for soldiers to maintain proficiency in artillery skills, enabling them to effectively respond to threats and engage enemy forces when necessary. He highlighted a recent attack on a UPDF base in Somalia as a reminder of the importance of soldiers being prepared to defend themselves rather than relying solely on external security measures.
– Advertisement –
Moreover, Ogwal emphasized the significance of discipline, self-respect, and respectful interactions with civilians, as these qualities not only enhance the public’s perception of the army but also reflect the professionalism of its personnel.
In addition to driving skills, the training covered first-aid techniques to provide immediate assistance to casualties before they could be transported to healthcare facilities. The drivers also received training in paramedic skills, enabling them to assist healthcare providers in stabilizing patients during transit to medical facilities.
Colonel Amos Rutaremwa, from the School of Supply and Transport, highlighted the increasing need for emergency response capabilities, especially in light of recent terrorist attacks in the region. He emphasized that the training curriculum included instructions on emergency care for critically injured victims, preparing the drivers to respond effectively to such incidents.
Rutaremwa emphasized the drivers’ capacity to support existing government structures in responding to accidents along major highways and to assist civilian authorities during disaster management operations. He also highlighted their potential to contribute to peace support operations within the East African community and beyond.
Overall, the training program aimed to equip UPDF ambulance drivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond swiftly and effectively to various emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of both military personnel and civilians alike.
Related
– Advertisement –
