Nine DWC paramedic students get training in US

Nine Dubai Women’s College (DWC) Paramedic students received recently a training at the Harrisburg Area Community College, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. after completing 3 years of studies here in Dubai.

American paramedic preceptors taught and assessed the Emirati students while responding to emergency 911 calls as part of their training. The students attended several classes and took their final EMT-Paramedic exams after fulfilling the training.

“Advanced-level Paramedic training is a great need of this region,” said Ronald Blough, paramedic program coordinator. 

Ron mentioned that this trip allowed Emirati paramedic students to train in a developed system for one month after completing 3 years of studies in Dubai. More internationally-qualified local paramedics are required for the GCC. “Dubai Women’s College paramedic program supports the government initiatives of Emiratization and provides graduates with advanced technical skills needed to improve the regions Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems towards international standards,” he added. 

“In the US, we were given the opportunity to work in advanced EMS,” said H.H. one of the Emirati students from Dubai. “The paramedics are so helpful and knowledgeable. They allow us to practice the advanced level skills and hopefully in the future, the emergency care in the UAE will develop to this level.”

Dubai Women’s College (DWC) is known for delivering educational best practice in health sciences. The paramedic program has been a successful partnership between the Higher Colleges of Technology and The Government of Dubai since 2003. This partnership includes an international partner, Harrisburg Area Community College, USA, where the students receive their qualifications and international work experience. The 54 graduates from this program are employed by the Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah Police, and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS).