Zambia 2023

In November 2023, the GECS team travelled to Lusaka, Zambia, to deliver a comprehensive five-day Trauma and Medical Emergencies course. This event marked our largest course to date, with 167 doctors, nurses, and clinical officers from nearby hospitals in attendance. For the first time, we also had the privilege of training paramedics, further expanding the reach and impact of our programme.

The course consisted of a combination of lectures, small group practical sessions, and high-fidelity simulation training. Focus areas included resuscitation techniques, trauma care, and major incident management. The aim was not only to teach a systematic approach to managing emergency situations but also to enhance participants' hands-on skills, allowing them to gain confidence in real-world scenarios. The training was led by ten faculty members, including eight Emergency Medicine Doctors and two Advanced Paramedics.

On the final day, the course culminated in a large-scale major incident simulation, which spanned both pre-hospital and emergency department settings. This exercise allowed participants to observe their own progress in real time and allowed them to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skill in a controlled, high-pressure environment. Working collaboratively, the attendees effectively managed a simulated major incident, demonstrating the practical application of the skills they had learned. Following the simulation a "Train the Trainer" session was held to empower local instructors, ensuring that the training's impact would continue well beyond the course's conclusion.

The feedback from all participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the course's practical value and its ability to foster a supportive learning environment. This initiative has helped establish a strong foundation for ongoing training in the community, and with the local trainers in place, the continuity of this program is now assured for future healthcare professionals in the region.