By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone has intensified preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS Summit by strengthening its national emergency medical response system through a coordinated ambulance deployment and referral strategy aimed at ensuring the safety of all participants.
The National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) has rolled out an enhanced emergency preparedness plan designed to provide rapid response services for Heads of State, government officials, foreign delegates, security personnel, support staff, and other attendees expected at the regional event.
Speaking during a high-level emergency preparedness training for frontline health workers and emergency responders, the NEMS Coordinator, Dr. Songor Koedoyoma, said the country’s emergency medical system has been reinforced to ensure timely interventions and smooth patient referrals throughout the summit.
He disclosed that ambulances and emergency response teams have been strategically stationed in Lungi, Port Loko, and Aberdeen to ensure comprehensive medical coverage at key operational areas linked to the event.
According to Dr. Koedoyoma, the emergency response framework prioritizes rapid deployment, efficient patient evacuation, and strong coordination between ambulance teams, hospitals, referral centres, emergency operations units, and other healthcare providers.
He explained that referral pathways have been strengthened to reduce response times and ensure that patients requiring specialized care are quickly transferred to appropriate health facilities.
Dr. Koedoyoma further emphasized that effective communication and collaboration among emergency responders, public health institutions, hospitals, and security agencies will remain central to delivering a coordinated medical response throughout the summit.
He expressed confidence in the readiness of emergency personnel, noting that continuous capacity building, strategic planning, and inter-agency cooperation have significantly improved the country’s preparedness.
The strengthened emergency medical arrangements form part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader security and logistics preparations aimed at ensuring a safe and successful ECOWAS Summit while showcasing the country’s growing capacity to host major international events.