The Government of Saint Lucia has provided the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) with a new fleet of ambulances.
During the official handover ceremony on October 10, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre handed over the keys to four new ambulances to SLFS Chief Ditney Downes at the Babonneau Fire Station.
First responders offer urgent and potentially life-saving emergency medical services when responding to distress calls. By increasing the SLFS’ ambulance fleet with new vehicles, the government says it is addressing deficiencies and improving response times to distress calls, allowing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to better focus on stabilising and transferring patients to medical facilities for treatment.
The delivery of new ambulances to the SLFS follows a significant injection of funds and the implementation of capacity enhancement initiatives facilitated by the government with funding secured from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
In June, the government and the CDB launched the Enhancing the Resilience of the Saint Lucia Fire Service project to address critical capacity needs within the SLFS. This includes the provision of modern resources and equipment, supported by an Operations Manual to enhance the efficiency of firefighters’ responses to various emergencies (CDB Press Releases, 2024). The Enhancing the Resilience of the Saint Lucia Fire Service project is valued at $26 million.
After 37 months in office, the government secured the funding to establish the first-ever West Coast Fire Sub-Station. For decades, residents of the Anse la Raye/Canaries constituency have had to rely on Castries and Soufriere fire stations (several miles apart) for emergency responses. Once operational, the new West Coast Fire Sub-Station will drastically reduce emergency response times for communities throughout the Anse la Raye/Canaries constituency.
The well-being of Saint Lucian citizens in times of distress and ensuring our communities are safe hinge on the capacity of our first responders. The government’s donation of a new ambulance fleet and significant capital investments in the SLFS will enhance emergency response capabilities and improve public safety.