The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

THE PUBLIC Hospitals Authority commissioned five new, state-of-the-art ambulances yesterday, making this country one of only two in the Caribbean to employ the latest technology, the director of National Emergency Medical Services said.

Dr Alvery Hanna said the Type 1 Citimedic Plus Ford F-350 ambulances, which cost the government $1.14 million, are also in service in Puerto Rico – a US territory.

The ambulances are equipped with engines that can withstand the “high sulphur grade diesel” sold in the Bahamas, said PHA chairman, Frank Smith, insisting the new engines would suffer fewer mechanical difficulties with this feature.

Paramedic Kevin Bell said one of the most important features of the ambulances is that they can be hydraulically raised and lowered so patients can be easily loaded. He added that the GPS feature installed in the ambulances will assist EMS with decentralising its fleet.

The box-shaped ambulances are said to allow for ease of movement through the island’s narrow streets, while it’s LED lights are “brighter and have a longer life span”.

And, they are outfitted with ear-piercing sirens and air horns, which were demonstrated yesterday – much to the dismay of those standing nearby.

Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez revealed that many of New Providence’s ambulances had been kept in service longer than the three years suggested by international standards.

The PHA commissioned five new ambulances last year as well, as part of its effort to bring its fleet up to standards.

“With the exception of five ambulances purchased in 2011, the ambulance fleet is comprised of vehicles purchased between 2002 and 2006,” said Dr Gomez.

He said since 2008, EMS call volumes have increased 13 per cent, and that last year it got 17, 764 – almost 50 emergency calls per day.

“The critical need for this investment can best be understood when placed against the workload of the ocuntry’s EMS,” Dr Gomez said.

PHA and EMS officials came under fire this year when it was revealed that most of New Providence’s ambulances were in disrepair, while some out of commission.

And in February, workers who spoke to The Tribune anonymously revealed that two ambulances broke down while transporting a patient to the hospital in February, leaving EMS with one ambulance for a day.

Dr Gomez said New Providence now has 12 ambulances, while Grand Bahama has six and Abaco has two. He said it is his hope that there will soon be one for Andros.

One of the new ambulances is outfitted with cameras as part of a tele-medicine pilot programme that will allow real-time video conferencing between doctors and paramedics.

Mr Smith revealed that between 2010 and 2011, EMS personnel responded to 400 shootings and 500 stabbings.

Dr Gomez thanked the EMS personnel for their work under sometimes hazardous conditions.

“I would also like to singularly commend the staff of EMS who continue to work tirelessly to save lives and have often put their own lives in jeopardy in this stead,” he said.