What Happens in an Ambulance? SAEMT Fiawoyife Explains

Ever Wondered What Goes on Inside Ambulance? 

When it comes to emergency medical response, experience and skill matter. SAEMT Samuel Fiawoyife, who was recognized as the Best Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) in the Volta Region for 2024, is the best person to take us through the life-saving work of the Ghana National Ambulance Service (GNAS). 

Ever wondered what happens inside a GNAS ambulance? 

It’s more than just a fast ride to the hospital—it’s a mobile emergency unit, equipped to stabilize patients and save lives before they even reach the hospital.

A Mobile Emergency Room

Every GNAS ambulance is built to handle various medical emergencies, functioning as a mini ICU on wheels. Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Oxygen tanks for patients struggling to breathe
✅ Defibrillators to restart a failing heart
✅ IV fluids to stabilize blood pressure and replace lost fluids
✅ Airway management tools for patients who can’t breathe on their own

✅ Advanced monitoring devices to track vital signs in real-time

To maintain high standards, all ambulances meet strict EMS regulations and undergo regular inspections.

“These ambulances are designed to provide immediate pre-hospital care," explains SAEMT Fiawoyife. "From minor injuries to severe trauma cases, we act fast to preserve life and prevent further deterioration.” 

What Happens at an Emergency Scene?

Emergencies are unpredictable, and paramedics must make split-second decisions. The first priority on any scene is triage—patients are classified based on the severity of their condition:

🟢 Green (P3) – Minor injuries, stable condition
🟡 Yellow (P2) – Needs urgent medical attention but stable
🔴 Red (P1) – Critical condition, requires immediate intervention

⚫🔵 Black/Blue – Deceased patients

The first few minutes are the difference between life and death,” says SAEMT Fiawoyife. “For example, in cardiac arrest, permanent brain damage begins after just four minutes without oxygen. That’s why we carry advanced resuscitation equipment to keep the heart and lungs functioning. 

In accident cases, bleeding control is a top priority. A severed artery can cause a person to bleed out in under a minute. We administer IV fluids and apply pressure bandages to keep the patient stable until we reach the hospital, he explains.

The Constant Watch: Monitoring Patients at All Times

Once a patient is inside the ambulance, the work doesn’t stop. Every second counts and paramedics must remain alert.

We keep eyes on the patient at all times, says SAEMT Fiawoyife. "Their breathing, skin color, speech, and movement can change instantly. We must act fast to prevent deterioration before we reach the hospital.

A seemingly stable patient can go into shock without warning, making constant monitoring a life-saving necessity.

Training: The Backbone of Emergency Care

Becoming an EMT in Ghana is no easy feat—it requires rigorous training at the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School (PECTS) in Nkenkaaso

🚑 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) complete classroom and practical training, including hospital internships and real-life ambulance runs. 

 

🚑 Training doesn’t stop after graduation—paramedics undergo continuous education to stay up to date with the latest medical advancements and trauma response techniques. 

 

🚑 Advanced EMTs and paramedics also train alongside fire services and rescue teams, learning to handle extractions, flood rescues, and disaster management.

Emergency medicine is always evolving, says SAEMT Fiawoyife. "We constantly upgrade our skills to provide the best possible care.

Public Awareness and First Aid Training

While paramedics play a crucial role in saving lives, SAEMT Fiawoyife encourages Ghanaians to take personal responsibility for emergency preparedness.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime, he says. Knowing basic first aid, CPR, and how to control bleeding can save a life before paramedics arrive.

He urges the public to visit their nearest National Ambulance Service station to learn more about emergency care and equip themselves with life-saving first aid skills.

Be Prepared: Keep a First Aid Kit at Home

Emergencies don’t just happen on the road—they can happen at home, at work, or in public places. Having a first aid kit can make all the difference while waiting for an ambulance.

SAEMT Fiawoyife advises every household to keep a well-stocked first aid kit with:

✅ Bandages and gauze for wound care
✅ Antiseptic solutions to prevent infections
✅ Pain relievers like paracetamol
✅ Scissors and tweezers for minor injuries

✅ A CPR mask for emergency resuscitation

Being prepared can save a life," he concludes. A simple first aid kit can mean the difference between survival and tragedy before help arrives.

Remember: In an emergency, always dial 112 and reach out to the nearest National Ambulance Service for assistance. Your quick response can save a life!

Check out these trusted resources on first aid training and emergency response:

• How to Perform CPR at Home Without Training
• Why Everyone Should Learn First Aid?
• How to Stop Bleeding at Home: Essential First Aid Tips

First aid isn’t just for medical professionals—it’s a skill everyone should have!