Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE will, on July 8, 2026, join the rest of the world in commemorating International Paramedics Day for the first time, in a move aimed at recognising the critical role played by emergency medical personnel in saving lives and strengthening healthcare delivery.
The commemorations, which will be held at Town House in Harare under the theme “Innovate and Integrate”, are expected to bring together Government officials, healthcare professionals, emergency medical service providers, corporate partners and members of the public.
Organised by Health and Safety Solutions (HSS), the event comes at a time when the demand for efficient emergency medical services continues to grow as the country seeks to improve healthcare outcomes and emergency response systems.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, organising secretary Ms Getrude Chihwisa, said the inaugural event would honour the dedication and professionalism of paramedics while creating awareness on the importance of emergency medical services.
“The inaugural International Paramedics Day celebrations provide Zimbabweans with an opportunity to appreciate the professionals who stand between life-threatening crises and successful hospital outcomes while showcasing the evolution of paramedicine as an essential pillar of healthcare delivery,” she said.
The commemorations will feature an ambulance parade involving emergency medical fleets from various service providers.
The convoy will move from Freedom Square through Harare’s central business district before ending at Town House.
A live mock emergency drill will also be conducted to demonstrate the speed, coordination and expertise required in responding to emergencies.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to acquire basic life-saving skills through a Citizen First Aid Corner, where trained emergency medical personnel will conduct demonstrations on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid procedures.
Outstanding and long-serving emergency medical personnel will be honoured during the Emergency Medical Services Awards ceremony, while healthcare service providers and corporate partners will showcase products and services through exhibitions.
The event is expected to highlight the growing importance of paramedicine within modern healthcare systems as emergency medical practitioners increasingly take on expanded responsibilities in patient care.
This year’s theme, “Innovate and Integrate”, focuses on advances in emergency medicine, including the adoption of digital technologies, research, education and stronger integration of emergency medical services into broader healthcare systems.
International Paramedics Day was launched in 2022 and is commemorated annually on July 8 to mark the birth anniversary of Dominique-Jean Larrey, who is widely regarded as the father of modern ambulance services.
The global observance is coordinated by the Royal College of Paramedics and supported by professional paramedic organisations across the world.
Members of the public have been encouraged to attend the commemorations and participate in activities aimed at promoting emergency preparedness and life-saving skills.
