The County Government of Kisumu has successfully concluded an intensive two-week Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) training programme for officers serving at the Kisumu County Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The training, conducted by the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF), equipped county officers with the skills required to effectively receive emergency calls, assess incidents, prioritize cases, dispatch ambulances, and coordinate emergency response using internationally recognized dispatch protocols.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Kisumu County’s emergency preparedness and improve the quality and timeliness of emergency response services.
Kisumu County currently operates a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) based at the City Headquarters. The facility serves as the county’s central command centre for coordinating emergency and disaster response while also functioning as the public ambulance dispatch centre, ensuring rapid deployment of emergency medical services across the county.
The closing ceremony was attended by the County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Gregory Ganda, and the City Manager, Abala Wanga, who congratulated the participants on successfully completing the rigorous training programme.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Ganda commended the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation for its continued partnership with the County Government of Kisumu and the technical support it has provided in strengthening the County’s Emergency Operations Centre. He noted that investing in skilled emergency dispatch personnel is essential in improving emergency medical care and ultimately saving lives.
City Manager Abala Wanga emphasized the importance of having a professional emergency dispatch system as the foundation of an effective emergency response network. He applauded the newly trained dispatchers for their commitment and dedication, describing them as the vital first link between the public and emergency responders.
Both leaders acknowledged the critical role played by emergency dispatchers in ensuring timely coordination of ambulance services and multi-agency emergency response. They encouraged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion while serving residents of Kisumu County.
The newly trained dispatchers are expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the County’s 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre by improving emergency call handling, ambulance dispatch, communication, and coordination among response agencies.
Members of the public are encouraged to report medical emergencies, fires, floods, road traffic crashes, and other disasters by calling the County’s toll-free emergency number 1542, which operates 24 hours a day through the Emergency Operations Centre.
The County Government of Kisumu remains committed to investing in modern emergency management systems, skilled personnel, and strategic partnerships to ensure residents receive timely, coordinated, and high-quality emergency and disaster response services.
