The enhancement of the ambulance service in Timor-Leste, seriously cut back during the civil strife that plagued the country in recent years, is now underway. The first courses for 35 nurses and for drivers specialized in emergencies who will manage the ambulance services started last July in Dili. The courses are promoted by the Order of Malta’s Australian Association and its embassy on the island. The Timor-Leste President, Ramos Horta, has personally expressed his appreciation to the Order for the initiative, which the Australian Association had been working on for some time.

Cardiac massage, oxygen therapy, measures for stopping haemorrhages and identification of fractures are some of the emergency treatment modules offered to the students in a programme set up by the Australian Catholic University, with translation into the local language and in cooperation with the Timor Ministry of Health.

The fact that there are numerous midwives taking the course, with a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, has meant that the lesson programme has been expanded to include basic notions of traumatology, burns and difficult deliveries. The second course will begin next November.