E.M.A saves lives, shapes medical careers

For some Namibians, a first-aid course can be the first step towards a career in medicine. Established in 2018, Emergency & Medical Assistance (E.M.A.) is a non-profit organisation that combines emergency medical services with mentorship and skills development to make emergency care more accessible while helping young people build careers in healthcare.

Founded on Fabian Martens’ vision of making emergency care accessible to everyone, E.M.A. primarily assists patients who need emergency treatment but cannot afford private services or do not have medical aid.

“We believe that emergency medical care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation,” said Martens.

The organisation operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an ambulance and emergency control centre available at all times. A critical care unit with an advanced life support paramedic is also available to assist patients.

Beyond emergency response, E.M.A. conducts free health screenings and outreach programmes, including engagements with schools, expos and scout groups in Windhoek.

“We do not only respond to emergencies. We also believe in prevention, education and empowering communities with the knowledge and skills to respond when emergencies happen,” Martens told Careers.

Learning on the job

A key part of its work is preparing young people for careers in healthcare. Young emergency care practitioners receive practical experience on ambulances alongside mentorship from experienced medics, helping them strengthen their skills and confidence.

“There is a big difference between learning something in a classroom and being able to apply that knowledge in a real emergency situation,” said Martens.

The organisation has already witnessed the impact of this approach. One student progressed from first-aid training to basic emergency care before pursuing studies to become an advanced life support paramedic. Another became an emergency care practitioner before studying towards becoming a physician, while a third participant progressed from first aid to becoming an instructor at OSH-Med International.

“The student grew under our mentorship programme and gained knowledge that assisted her to become an advanced life support paramedic,” the organisation said in a statement.

However, sustaining this work remains a challenge. More than 90% of E.M.A.’s patients do not have medical aid or financial cover, resulting in patient assistance costs of nearly N$1.1 million. The organisation also operates an ageing ambulance fleet, with repairs sometimes leaving an ambulance unavailable.

“Partnerships make a major difference because they help us keep our operational costs manageable,” Martens said.

E.M.A.’s future vision includes offering full scholarships to young Namibians pursuing medical careers and expanding emergency medical services beyond Windhoek.

“Believe in yourself and set your own goals towards the future you want for yourself, your family and our beautiful country,” Martens said.