–sets new standard for emergency medical care

A NEW standard for emergency medical care has been set, as Tishana Douglas becomes Guyana’s first paramedic to complete the Advanced Diploma in Emergency Medical Services (ADEMS) at the Emergency Training Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (ETITT).

This great accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s emergency healthcare system.

Douglas, who was born and raised in Good Intent, West Bank Demerara, attained nine subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. She also has an ordinary diploma in science, and had pursued studies in mechanics and heavy-duty machine operation.

She landed a job at the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) after her studies at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, and the Government Technical Institute.

Initially, Douglas was aiming for a career as an Immigration Officer, however, that did not work out.

During her job-hunting phase, Douglas was contacted by the GFS, where she was interviewed for the position of an emergency medical technician (EMT).

In 2016, the young woman completed an EMT programme, and subsequently went on to complete the EMT international programme in Trinidad and Tobago at ETITT. This programme had a duration of 14 to 16 months.

Douglas told this publication that this new career was exciting, because it was something new to her.

“I just said, ‘you know what, this is it for me.’ I found a love for the job, and today I can clearly say I didn’t make a mistake in joining the Guyana Fire Service, and starting as an EMT,” she related.

She highlighted that during her time in Trinidad, she was introduced to a number of courses that revolved around emergency care.

According to Douglas, this included Critical Care, General Management, EMS, ACLS, PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, and a number of other courses.

As the only Guyanese in her class, she related that it was challenging, however, on returning home, she felt immensely proud of herself for her accomplishment.

“They keep telling me the sky is my limit, but I don’t feel there is a cap on my success. So, for me currently, I want to further my career path. I want to further it to go and do critical care,” she said, explaining that this is a specialty.

With a clear plan in place for her future, Douglas said she does not want to be on an ambulance or helicopter for the rest of her life. Instead, the young woman aims to align her career so she can be involved in general management in EMS, and later on become an EMS Consultant or accomplish even more.

She also hopes to own her own business one day.

To young women interested in this career path, she said: “The challenge is always that we’re female, and they look at us and think that females are soft; females they can’t do this, or can’t do that. The notion growing up is that a female should be a housewife.”

In continuing, she said: “I’m not saying we’re fighting for equal rights; I’m saying that, okay, if a man can do it, you could do it as well.”

Speaking generally, the young woman said that anything that anyone (male and female) wants to achieve, they should go for it. “Even if there are push backs, and setbacks, because that is how life is, just go for it. If you’re determined, make it happen, and regardless of how many challenges you face, just push past and get it done,” she said.

Douglas is eager to make a difference in emergency care locally. To see her progress, she can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook- Tishana Douglas, and on TikTok – paramedic_592.

The ETITT has been registered with the Accreditation Council of T&T (ACTT) since 2009. Since inception, ETITT’s team of professionals have provided training to individuals and organisations in law enforcement, the military, regional health authorities, petrochemical, fire services, physicians, registered nurses, disaster agencies and much more.