The Rush to Save a Life: A Night That Changed Everything 

In 2007, G.C. One night was a turning point in his career, and that was the case when a UK Diplomat came to Ethiopia and collapsed suddenly there in the airport. Then, he was nominated to take care of the diplomat and be taken to the UK that night. That was the first time he was out of the country. That was his first exposure to aerospace medicine. When he got there, he saw that the ambulance, the airport, and the embassy were in a rush to save that person's life after successfully helping the UK diplomat and spending five days in the UK. He was able to observe how their emergency ambulances operate.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Kibret's Journey to Success

The story of Kibret Abebe Tuffa is a badge of determination, resilience, and innovation. Born in Jan Meda, uphill tasks began betting their odds on Kibret right from his early days. Being the fourth among 12 siblings, he was sure that education was the only way to break this poverty chain. He pursued schooling up to the high school level before venturing into higher education at Jimma Science and Health College for a nursing degree. 

After graduation, he started working around Bale in a small place called Ginir after working there for about five years. He was transferred to Tikur Anbesa Hospital, earning a very low income, so he started thinking about how to increase his income. Then anesthesia came into the picture, and he decided to educate himself. This was the time that the situation truly challenged him.

Against All Odds: Kibret's Story of Determination and Resilience

Even though he had reached this new profession, Kibret still thought his vision from the dream was far from where he was to be. His pay increased hard and he was notably struggling to get by. It was not until a turn in his career that the gravity of his situation hit him. On one of the most challenging night shifts, Kibret assisted nine mothers in giving birth to babies; however, he found that breathing the chemical emissions from the anesthesia machine made his head foggy. This sense of responsibility influenced him to quit his job.

His application for resignation was not successful initially since he owed scholarship fees. However, all this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The rejection made Kibret rethink his priorities and the need for a good income. He started to work with several hospitals during the day and at night in Black Lion Hospital.

Though his friends used to mock him about his ambitions, Kibret never gave up. After six months, he bought a car and started living comfortably. His financial situation improved, and he began reflecting on the purpose for which he lived.

It was inspired by the frequent accidents in Ethiopia and the lack of proper emergency services. Kibret decided he wanted to do emergency medical services. He started reading about emergency room services, soon realizing that he would find his calling in giving emergency medical services.

A New Kind of Entrepreneur: Kibret's Journey to Filling a Gap in Emergency Services

After the UK incident, when he got back, he started focusing on Clarity of Thought in what he was doing. He immediately resigned from Black Lion Hospital and started working on his project, but at that time, he was not in business, so that was a bit challenging for him.

He wrote a proposal on his project and went to the Ministry of Health for support, but they told him they had his back if only he were willing to work like the Red Cross and not ask for any payments from users. Because there was no business like that at that time, there needed to be a procedure or manual to guide this kind of Business activity. After six months, he wrote the 17-page Ethiopia Standard of Emergency Manual himself, which the Minister of Health approved.

The second challenge he faced was Finance. For financial support, he went to different Banks, but all of them failed. So, finally, he decided to sell his house and buy an ambulance. But facing his wife was another challenge at the time. Especially in the first five years, it was difficult to get trust from clients, and the finance problem was very challenging.  

Even after that, he faced many problems. He also worked on creating a business model. He says he is not a capitalist or a charitable person but a social entrepreneur. For him, impact and profit go together. He believes that we have to fill a gap through a business model rather than through a typical aid. With all of his journey, there were a lot of ups and downs.

A New Era of Emergency Response: TEBITA's Rise to Prominence

Today, TEBITA has grown to be very big and operates with over 12 ambulances, serving a population of more than 150,000 people. More than 45,500 persons have received the organization's training, and it has evacuated over 1,000 patients to foreign countries.

Kibret's story is just a testimony to the power of social entrepreneurship. He believes that impact and profit go hand in glove; indeed, business can be used as a tool for good. By offering comprehensive services, including 24/7 ambulance support to remote medical assistance and training programs under TEBITA Ambulance Service, he is on the leading edge in emergency medical services and hopes to bring change in Ethiopia.

Kibret's current business venture is increasing TEBITA's presence across the globe through East Africa Emergency Services in Seychelles. By providing organized emergency medical services and management, he decreases mortality and morbidity rates. His journey inspires many to believe that if one has the will and hard work, he can conquer any uphill task, no matter how daunting.

About TEBITA Ambulance Service

TEBITA Ambulance Service is the first private-sector Emergency Medical Services provider established in the land in 2008 by Mr. Kibret Abebe Tuffa. It offers 24/7 ambulances, remote medical assistance, and standby event cover. There have been more than 60,000 emergency responses from TEBITA, making it a trustworthy and efficient emergency service provider. 2015 saw them expand their global presence with the opening of East African Emergency Services in Seychelles. Not only does TEBITA deliver its critical services to clients, but it is also actively involved in community awareness programs that are meant to contribute to the well-being of populations. Having a vision of reducing mortality and morbidity rates by ensuring well-organized emergency medical services and management, TEBITA has continued creating awareness of developing organized Emergency Medical Services within Ethiopia's health scenario.