KORANDA OTOOL PARAMEDICS INCORPORATED
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Mission Statement
KOPI is a 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization (NGO) based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota that works on projects at the intersection of emergency medicine and mental health. A key component of our philosophy is the inclusion of mental health training in emergency medical services. Our professional experience has proven to us that the two should not be separated. We believe that addressing trauma on a psychological level is as important as addressing it on a physical level. As an international organization, we have come to appreciate the challenges and rewards that come with this type of work. We approach each project responsibly and enter a community humbly. KOPI recognizes the importance of quality care and utilizes volunteers and trainers that have extensive experience in the field as well as an understanding of what it takes to not only be a provider, but an educator, both nationally and internationally. We are capable of both leadership and support, but understand that sustainability requires the community members to act as directors and us to serve as their facilitators. Lastly, and most importantly, the bedrock of our organization is quality and compassionate care. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and work to deliver the best possible care to everyone we encounter.
About This Cause
Organization History: Arusha is located in East Africa’s Tanzania. It is home to volcanic Mt. Meru and adjacent to Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is also home to the Arusha Traffic Police (APD), an organization working to improve the emergency medical response in the region. Dr. Peter Mabula, our partner in Tanzania and KOPI director, has worked tirelessly in the region to improve emergency care. He is looking to expand his response by adding prehospital providers to his network. A key component of this work is the APD. Arusha does not have an established ambulance service or formalized paramedic training program. In an effort to better understand the western emergency medical services (EMS) response, Dr. Mabula visited our medical director in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and from there we formed a strong relationship. Dr. Mabula's visit left a lasting impression with everyone involved. After a year of planning, our Executive Director, Nathan Koranda, headed to Arusha to provide EMS education to doctors and nurses at a local hospital designated as a stakeholder facility by Dr. Mabula. The goal of the training was to introduce this group to the idea of EMS and start a discussion on how to make EMS in Arusha a reality. The initial training was a success and everyone involved wanted to see the project through. Dr. Mabula recognized that without a formalized EMS system in Arusha, prehospital care of nearly 800,000 citizens is left to officers in the traffic division of the APD. In 2019, 2021, and 2022 KOPI traveled to Arusha to provide EMS education to police officers. All trainings were well received and showed measurable improvement in knowledge from pre- to post-test. Mental health education and resources are still in their infancy and the area is in need of support. KOPI recognizes that there is an opportunity to address both issues simultaneously. We are currently working on developing a network of individuals dedicated to providing emergency medicine and mental health education in the region. Through remote interaction and short term medical missions, we plan to help Dr. Mabula build a reliable emergency service staffed with providers capable of addressing physical and mental trauma.