POLICE officers in Manicaland have undergone basic first aid training under a new initiative by emergency medical service provider, Discovery Ambulances (DAS), aimed at equipping them with essential life-saving skills.
The programme targets officers under the Manicaland provincial command and seeks to enhance their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
In an interview, DAS chief executive and founder David Munowenyu said police officers were often the first responders at emergency scenes, making it critical for them to have basic medical skills.
“We identified a critical gap where police officers are frequently called to emergency scenes, but lack basic life-saving skills. Through this training, we aim to bridge that gap and enhance their ability to respond effectively,” he said.
“And we are happy that police officers in Manicaland have embraced this initiative which also seeks to strengthen private-public partnerships.”
Munowenyu said the long-term goal is to roll out the programme nationwide.
“Our grand plan is to train all police officers across the country. We believe this initiative will significantly reduce preventable loss of life and strengthen emergency response systems in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manicaland acting police provincial spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka said such collaborations were key to improving service delivery.
“This initiative has significantly strengthened the capacity of our officers to respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring that they are better equipped with life-saving skills as first responders,” said Chinyoka.
“As the police, we remain committed to safeguarding lives and property, and partnerships such as these play a crucial role in enhancing our service delivery.
“We look forward to continued collaboration in promoting public safety and emergency preparedness.”
