Day 3 of Phase 3 kickstarted with the team’s regular morning commute up Bomba road and through the streets of Kawempe to the community youth centre, home of CUES. The beginner group was seated and ready to learn by 9:05 AM, a time vastly improved from the fashionably late Uganda O’clock (as the locals say) start on Day 1. We first tackled the critical Airway step of the ABC primary assessment. By the end of the lecture, the students were equipped with not only the knowledge to recognize airway compromise but also tools and skills they will be able to implement to intervene. We then began going over the broad topic of soft tissue injuries, discussing the various types and severities of burns, followed by complications and how we can help in the prehospital setting. After running through the assessment framework to conclude the class, “bad cop” Uncle Paul assigned the homework of memorizing the scene overview, general impression and primary assessment components of the framework. Although met by wide eyes by this seemingly daunting request, we have zero doubts they will have no issues being more than successful at this task.
The advanced class started with a full blown aerobic exercise session as we threw them into a hands on scenario that required rapidly recognizing the need for, and initiating CPR. After getting their hearts pumping (and that of their mannequins after their flawless resuscitation efforts) we went over soft tissue injuries, review from the preceding sessions last year. The students were then given the creative liberty to devise a patient scenario of their choice to administer to their peers on Day 4. The goal of this activity (other than offloading workload for us “lazy” instructors of course) entailed having our soon-to-be first responders, critically analyze and connect assessment findings to specific clinical contexts and patient conditions.
Yet again all the laughing and learning was had, which will no doubt continue tomorrow. Stay tuned for the Day 4 recap!
WEEBALE NYO SSEBOS and NYABOS, for all the ongoing support from afar!
There’s a whole range of possibilities in the way of interventions that can be undertaken to contribute towards the process of establishing the emergency ambulance service. All thanks to the effort of volunteers that have shared their time, skills and most of all, a passion to be part of something so rare in this part of the world.
We are equally appreciative of all the support that has been realised for the project and through the generosity, we are walking and adding onto those first steps taken in 2028. one step at a time, we will realize the goal of becoming an active partner in the emergency ambulance service in Kampala, Uganda.