Questioned by Lusa about the matter, the president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), Sérgio Janeiro, revealed that while the content remains the same, the way questions are asked and theoretical tests will be modified for each class to prevent the falsification of results.
Last week, Lusa disclosed that some test answers for the TEPH training were being shared in a WhatsApp group with dozens of trainees, prompting the National Association of Medical Emergency Technicians (ANTEM) to urgently request intervention from the competent authorities.
This course, which began at the start of the year with a total of 200 trainees, is facing objections from many participants who have filed complaints with both the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (STEPH) and ANTEM.
In statements to Lusa, the president of INEM expressed the institute’s desire to make the process as credible as possible, stating, “We want to make the training credible, as it is important to note that the training is demanding.”
“It is important that people understand that, at the end of the training, they are well-trained professionals capable of performing their duties competently,” he added.
Janeiro also highlighted the collaboration with medical schools for this training, revealing that in May, a module of this course will be conducted at the University of Beira Interior, which will host three classes from various parts of the country.
“This year, there is a massive effort on training, as we aim to train these 200 technicians within the trial period,” the official said, adding that INEM is awaiting authorization to open applications for 200 more technicians to be trained, with intentions to recover those professionals who have yet to complete their training.
He stated the objective is for all TEPH technicians to complete their training by the end of 2025.
This recommendation was echoed by the General Inspection of Health Activities (IGAS), which in its last report revealed that in September 2024, 70% of professionals in the TEPH career had not completed the approved and sanctioned specific training.
According to IGAS, this training is crucial for ensuring the acquisition of specific competencies necessary for the effective performance of all functions within the functional content of the career, particularly in delivering assistance acts.
Regarding the TEPH career, Janeiro emphasized that an emergency medical technician should have educational opportunities available in universities, specifically, medical schools, allowing someone to take the course after completing high school and then “apply to INEM, firefighters, civil protection, private entities, or even international programs with certain equivalencies.”
The plan is to “utilize the availability of medical schools as they become ready to deliver certain modules.”
“As medical schools provide that availability, we adjust schedules and direct classes to medical schools for their training,” he added.
He further stated, “this is the direction the system should head towards,” to also enhance “the foundational training level of ambulance crew members” from INEM partners who “are the first responders in the majority of situations requiring activation of services.”
