Pointe Blanche: --- Workers of the Ambulance Department were with all smiles on Wednesday when they drove away with a brand new ambulance for the department. Head of the Ambulance Department Clyred Richardson said receiving another ambulance in such a short time is history for St. Maarten since only some weeks ago they received the first of the two vehicles that was ordered at Wheelco Deliveries in Miami and cost the island government a whopping $70,000. The vehicle he said is fully equipped with the necessary emergency equipments.
Richardson said the commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson was very instrumental in making sure the vehicles arrived here in working order. He said the purchase of both ambulances was part of the island government budget. With the arrival of the new ambulance the department now has four ambulances.
Hopefully the new vehicle should be ready for use within the next two weeks Richardson said. Having the new vehicle Richardson said the department would be able to make proper maintenance plans for all their vehicles as well as to provide a much better service to the community of St. Maarten.
Also addressing the reporters is commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson said the island government plans to add on their 2010 budget the purchase of another two ambulances as well as some medical equipments, which includes to mass casualty incident trailers (MCI) trailers for mass casualty. Richardson said these equipments are vital for any ambulance department. The department head said they already sent the advice to the executive council and is hoping that the purchase can take place before the end of this year. Richardson said these trailers are complete with all necessary medical equipments and has a purchase price of about $15,000.
In the meantime, commissioner of Health Care Affairs Hyacinth Richardson confirmed that Sherriff Security is planning to bring in at least two ambulances. Richardson said he was officially informed by the company of their intentions during a meeting on Wednesday of their intentions to bring in ambulances, which would service mainly the tourists. The commissioner said he heard of Sheriffs plans some three years ago but only on Wednesday, he was officially informed. He said the company has to send their plans to the executive council for approval. Commissioner Richardson said the company is looking into having two ambulances one of which is already on island.
The department head said it is of uttermost importance that the ambulance department is a government agency and they should be able to have the necessary equipments including ambulances to guarantee proper services to the community. Richardson said when it comes to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a government responsibility and government has lived up to its responsibility thus far. He said government is now trying to bring the department up to par by making sure they purchase the necessary equipments. Richardson said in the past the department was faced with a number of issues because the ambulances they had were breaking down. He said in the event of any disaster the more ambulances that are available will be the better for the community. He said the same way the department works with other organizations such as the Red Cross they would work with Sherriff if they have ambulances since the department would need extra personnel and equipments.
