On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO), with the generous support of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, conducted a workshop in Ismailia Governorate.
According to a statement recently issued by WHO, the workshop aimed to train 50 Ambulance Authority staff on mental health concepts, initial psychological interventions, and community participation during emergency situations.
The training covered topics such as mental health principles, common mental disorders and their symptoms, psychological first aid, and effective communication with communities. The goal is to equip ambulance crews to provide initial psychological support during humanitarian crises, as they are often the first point of contact for patients.
The workshop also focused on enhancing personal psychological care for ambulance crews and dealing with psychological stress resulting from trauma cases. Practical sessions were conducted to apply communication skills while providing initial psychological support.
This training is crucial, especially considering Egypt's reception of sick and injured individuals from the Gaza Strip. It is essential to have an integrated medical team that can provide urgent medical services and mental health care during crises.
Dr. Nima Saeed, the representative of WHO, emphasized the importance of providing psychological support in emergency and crisis situations. The organization collaborates with various partners, including the Ministry of Health and Population, the Ambulance Authority, the General Authority for Health Care, and the Egyptian Red Crescent, to ensure a coordinated and effective psychological response.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Badie, the Director General of the General Administration of Medical Services at the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, expressed pleasure in partnering with the WHO to enhance mental health services and create a healthy work environment.
Egypt has received 5,500 sick and injured individuals evacuated from Gaza for treatment since last November. Additionally, WHO has conducted other training sessions to support the Egyptian health system in responding to the current crisis. These sessions focused on dealing with mass casualties, providing basic care for acute illnesses and severe injuries, and managing exposure to dangerous substances.
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