Residents in New Amsterdam, Region Six, are expected to see swifter responses to emergencies or any other situation requiring immediate attention as the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) service was launched on Friday.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, the service was launched at the New Amsterdam Fire Station with 15 persons now equipped with advanced knowledge in rendering medical assistance after undergoing a six-month training programme.
Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham emphasised that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working aggressively to ensure the EMT service is brought to citizens all across the country.
“Members of the public, I want to implore you that when there is an emergency within the confines of New Amsterdam you must feel free to call because we will respond. The persons who are responding to those in need are well trained, and so you can expect a service that will be exceptional,” the fire chief assured.
Wickham noted that such service will ensure that many lives are saved and was positive that the death toll as a result of accidents or unfortunate circumstances will decrease. He also disclosed that another goal of the fire service is to roll out the programme to Rose Hall and Corriverton sometime later in the year.
Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Vishalya Sharma said that the patient flow numbers within New Amsterdam are at almost 100. However, she noted, that with this new EMT service, the region’s health system is will become better, decreasing the number of persons within the emergency rooms.
“We all know that EMTs are important because they save lives, they save the outcome of the patient, the prognosis and they help to determine how well a patient can reintegrate back into society after their accident,” Dr Sharma stated.
The RHO welcomed the additional medical help and pledged to work with the EMTs.
The release stated that the new batch of EMTs has since been equipped with their medical gear and has been presented with an ambulance. They will deliver services to residents on the East Bank of Berbice in villages such as Mara, West Canje and Borlam Turn.
