La Savane:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that the two public ambulances operating out of the fire station in La Savane are in deplorable condition. Sources close to the Pompier de St Martin told SMN News that the fire men and rescue workers are working under severe stress and a complex situation since both the ambulances are not in proper working condition.The source said there are times when both the public ambulances are down and rescue workers would have to go to crime scenes and homes with fire trucks to induce emergency care then they would be forced to call a private ambulance to transport the patients to the hospital. "Fire trucks do not have materials and equipments for emergency care and such people in need of assistance either die on the spot or on their way to the hospital for the lack of emergency care. Another hazard for these emergency workers is that they are forced to drive a vehicle that is not in proper working condition. The shocks and cross-member on the ambulance are not good yet the vehicle has to be driven at high speed."
The source said the first ambulance is almost un-repairable while the second ambulance cannot even take 50% of its capacity. It is further understood that the head of the fire service Cleo Gumbs told his workers that two new ambulances were arriving on the island late August to early September but to date they have not seen or heard anything about the new vehicles. "Right now we do not think the Prefet or those at the Collectivity know what is happening regarding the ambulances and the risks that are facing the French side. "Government and the State are obligated to provide emergency care to anyone in need in the territory and people who do not get the necessary care can take these people to court and win." The source further explained that providing emergency care is one of the most basic things for any civilized nation but that seems to be impossible on the French St Martin.
On Thursday SMN News camera lens managed to capture a photograph of one of the ambulances under the shed on a jack. It is clear that the ambulance is not working and repair work is being conducted on the vehicle.
Several efforts made to reach the head of the fire station Cleo Gumbs on Thursday proved futile as we were told that Mr. Gumbs was not in office. This is not the first time SMN News has tried to contact Gumbs to no avail. Many times we are told he is in Guadeloupe.