Marius Musa Kargbo, AYV News, July 10, 2026
The 27th Chinese Medical Team from Hunan Province has strengthened healthcare collaboration between China and Sierra Leone by providing specialised emergency response training to nursing students and lecturers at the Central University of Sierra Leone.
The “First Responder” training programme, held on July 8, 2026, brought together nearly 150 nursing students and faculty members for intensive instruction in internationally recognised emergency care procedures aimed at improving lifesaving skills and strengthening community healthcare delivery.
The expert delegation included Associate Professor Sheng Jie, Associate Professor Gao Kelei of XiangyaHospital at Central South University, and Senior Nurse Tan Yan from Hunan Cancer Hospital. The team delivered a standardised emergency care curriculum that combined classroom instruction with practical demonstrations to enhance participants’ clinical competence.
Recognising the Central University of Sierra Leone as a key institution for training frontline healthcare professionals in northern Sierra Leone, the Chinese Medical Team tailored the programme to address critical emergency response needs. The training was delivered through the China–Sierra Leone First Responder Training Center and the China–Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center, established to promote sustainable medical education and professional exchange between the two countries.
Participants received comprehensive instruction covering first aid principles, legal responsibilities during emergency intervention, airway management techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The theoretical sessions were complemented by practical simulations, allowing trainees to apply their knowledge under the close supervision of experienced medical professionals.
During the practical exercises, instructors assessed participants on chest compression techniques, hand positioning, compression rhythm, airway management, and proper AED pad placement. The hands-on training ensured that every participant gained practical experience and received personalised guidance in performing essential emergency procedures.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants underwent individual practical assessments. Those who successfully met the required standards were awarded official First Responder qualification certificates, recognising their competence in emergency care and lifesaving interventions.
Head of the Nursing Department at the Central University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatmata Gegbe, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to addressing practical training gaps within the institution. She noted that the programme had greatly enhanced students’ preparedness to respond effectively to medical emergencies in both healthcare facilities and their communities.
Students who participated in the training also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, stating that the knowledge and practical skills acquired would enable them to provide timely emergency assistance and improve patient outcomes.
The initiative forms part of the broader healthcare and educational partnership between China and Sierra Leone. The 27th Chinese Medical Team has reaffirmed its commitment to organising regular emergency care training programmes through the First Responder and Nursing Training Centres, helping to build the capacity of Sierra Leone’s healthcare workforce while further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the medical sector.
