Frequently Asked Questions

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health responsible for providing emergency medical services (EMS) and pre-hospital emergency care across Ghana. NAS responds to medical emergencies, road traffic crashes, disasters, and other life-threatening situations.

NAS provides:

• Emergency ambulance transportation
• Pre-hospital emergency medical care
• Disaster and mass casualty response
• Inter-facility transfer of critically ill patients
• Emergency medical training and public education
• Support for national events and public health emergencies

NAS services are available to all persons in Ghana who require emergency medical assistance.

Emergency response services provided by NAS are generally funded by the Government of Ghana. However, certain specialised or non-emergency services may attract approved fees.

Call an ambulance when there is:

• Severe illness or injury
• Unconsciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Suspected stroke
• Severe bleeding
• Chest pain
• Road traffic accidents
• Obstetric emergencies
• Any life-threatening condition

Provide:

• Your name and contact number
• Exact location of the emergency
• Nature of the emergency
• Number of patients involved
• Patient's condition
• Any landmarks that can help locate the scene

Response times vary depending on:

• Distance to the nearest ambulance station
• Traffic conditions
• Road accessibility
• Availability of ambulances

NAS strives to reach patients as quickly as possible.

Yes. Requests for non-emergency transportation may be considered subject to availability and applicable policies.

NAS ambulances are equipped with:

• Oxygen delivery systems
• Stretchers
• Defibrillators
• Suction machines
• Basic life support equipment
• Emergency medications and medical supplies
• Patient monitoring devices

Ambulances are staffed by trained:

• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs)
• Drivers trained in emergency vehicle operations

Generally, one relative may accompany the patient if space and safety conditions permit.

No. NAS ambulances are intended for emergency medical care and patient transport, not for transporting deceased persons.

Yes. NAS conducts training and professional development programmes for emergency medical personnel through approved training institutions and programmes.

Recruitment opportunities are publicly advertised through official government and NAS communication channels. Applicants must meet the prescribed qualifications and requirements.

Internship opportunities may be available for students in relevant health and administrative disciplines, subject to institutional approval.

Yes. Organisations may request ambulance and medical standby services for:

• Conferences
• Sporting events
• Religious gatherings
• Festivals
• Public events

Requests should be submitted well in advance.

Yes. NAS offers first aid and emergency preparedness training for schools, organisations, institutions, and community groups.

Organisations can partner with NAS through:

• Corporate social responsibility initiatives
• Capacity-building support
• Equipment donations
• Infrastructure development
• Emergency preparedness programmes

Complaints, compliments, and suggestions may be submitted through:

• Regional Ambulance Service offices
• NAS Headquarters
• Official communication channels
• Email and social media platforms

Provide details including:

• Date and time of incident
• Location
• Ambulance number (if known)
• Names of personnel (if known)
• Description of the concern

All complaints are investigated in accordance with NAS procedures.

• Stay calm
• Ensure the scene is safe
• Follow instructions from the dispatcher
• Keep the patient comfortable
• Avoid moving seriously injured persons unless absolutely necessary
• Have someone guide the ambulance to the exact location

Yes, if you have appropriate training. Follow dispatcher instructions where applicable.

Misuse of ambulance services can:

• Delay response to genuine emergencies
• Endanger lives
• Waste limited emergency resources

The public can support NAS by:

• Using emergency numbers responsibly
• Giving way to ambulances on the road
• Providing accurate information during emergencies
• Participating in first aid education programmes
• Supporting community emergency preparedness initiatives

Emergency Calls: 112

For administrative inquiries, contact the National Ambulance Service Headquarters or the nearest Regional Ambulance Service office.

National Ambulance Service
P.O. Box MB423
Accra

Emergency Medical Services for Saving Lives.