The Greater Accra Ambulance Service has held a health walk as part of activities to celebrate the 2025 International Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics Day.
Observed annually on July 8, the day recognises and celebrates the vital work of EMTs, paramedics, and first responders across the globe.
The health walk, which started from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended with an aerobics session at the Regional Secretariat in Kotobabi, brought together several paramedics and EMTs from across the region.
The International EMTs and Paramedics Day highlights the critical role of these professionals in the healthcare system, acknowledges their dedication, and promotes the profession to the public.
Purpose of the Day
Recognition and Celebration:
The day is specifically designed to acknowledge the essential role EMTs and paramedics play in saving lives and improving health outcomes.
Raising Awareness:
It aims to shed light on the diverse work environments in which EMTs and paramedics operate, including primary and secondary care, GP surgeries, the military, offshore facilities, and telephone triage systems.
Promoting the Profession:
The day encourages aspiring paramedics and students to consider emergency medical services as a career path.
Unity and Community Engagement:
It emphasizes the vital partnerships between paramedics and the communities they serve, fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose.
Honouring Dedication:
The celebration serves as an opportunity to thank EMTs and paramedics for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and compassionate care—especially in high-pressure and traumatic situations.
Highlighting Impact:
It showcases the difference paramedics make in people’s lives across a range of emergency and healthcare situations.
Background
The inaugural International Paramedics Day was held in 2022 and has since become an annual global event to honour and celebrate the contributions of EMTs and paramedics, according to the College of Paramedics.
The chosen date, July 8, commemorates the birth of Dominique Jean Larrey, a French military doctor widely regarded as the “father of modern-day ambulance services.”
Focus on Mental Health
In addition to recognising their work, the day also draws attention to the mental health challenges faced by paramedics, given the traumatic nature of their profession. It encourages institutions and communities to support their psychological well-being.
Source: Alex Treve Quarshie
ALSO READ: