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18 November 2009

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo invites all journalists to attend the Graduation Ceremony of the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) College of Emergency Care that would be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital today on Wednesday 18 November 2009.

A group of 20 Emergency Care Technology (ECT) students will be receiving their NQF level five certificates for the two-year course. The course was launched in April 2007 at several colleges across the country. The first groups of graduates have had ceremonies in the North West and Gauteng provinces.

The course was launched to standardise the emergency medical care industry and to improve the standard of care provided by emergency care practitioners. The course is unusual in that it employs a constructivist theory of education and encourages students to participate in their own education, rather than just receiving instruction.

This method, in which students solve problems presented by facilitators, was applied to situations ranging from cutting up cars with hydraulic tools, through simulated patient care on mannequins to accessing and recovering stranded patients using ropes. After graduation, the students will return to duty in the various health districts in the province, employing their new skills for the benefit of rural and urban patients.

MEC Dr Dhlomo, representatives from the National Department of Health and officials from Colleges of Emergency Care in other provinces are expected to grace the occasion.

Date: 18 November 2009
Venue: Nursing Residence Hall at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
Time: 17h30

For further information, contact:
Sibonelo Msomi
Tel: 033 395 2582
Cell: 083 980 7481

Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
18 November 2009