The National Emergency Medical Services in Guyana responded to 15,630 medical emergencies between 2016 and 2020. This is according to the Director of the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Guyana, Dr. Zulfikar Bux.
Dr. Bux, in a telephone interview with the Sunday Stabroek, said that since its implementation the National EMS has responded to approximately 15,630 medical emergencies reported via the Guyana Fire Service ‘912’ emergency hotline. Mentioning that the role of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) is carried out by persons who have a passion and care for lives, the EMS Director said that young professionals should be encouraged to be a part of the career that impacts the lives of Guyanese. Dr. Bux who also holds the position as head of the accident and emergency department at the Georgetown Public Hospital, explained that being the first Emergency Medical Specialist in Guyana, his role since 2013 has been to develop the EMS system at the hospital. In doing so, he has helped with the training of nurses and officers to become emergency specialists.