Photos: East, West Ambulance Service Launched

March 5, 2015

[Updated with video] Earlier today [Mar 5], the official launch of the East and West Ambulance Service was held at Clearwater Fire Station in the east end, with the Health Minister saying it “essentially changes the dynamics of how we respond to emergencies at either end of the island. ”

Premier Michael Dunkley said, “Bermuda is fortunate to have a highly committed group of trained Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs who respond to emergency situations across the island.

“We thank both the Bermuda Hospitals Board and Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service who provide dedicated, qualified EMTs who respond around the clock to every emergency call.

“While the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service EMTs could respond from multiple locations across the island, up until today, the only ambulances that could bring people to hospital were those released from the hospital in Paget.

East West End Ambulance Service Fire Bermuda, March 5 2015-3

“From this day, people who fall ill or are involved in an accident in the outer parishes will no longer have to wait for an ambulance from Paget,” continued the Premier.

“Whether it is a stroke victim, where any delay in medical care can have lifelong implications, or an accident victim with head trauma or loss of blood, every second counts in vital life-threatening situations; the aim of this new initiative is to increase the chance of saving lives.

“There will be ambulances in the East and West who can get to them quickly, and take them to the Emergency Department without delay. This is a significant enhancement to the growing cruise and business hub in Dockyard as well as supporting the World Heritage Site of St. George’s.

“As Premier and Minister of National Security, I knew how vital it was for us to improve the emergency service for our residents, to reduce the time it took to get residents from the East and West of the island to the Emergency Department in Paget.

“This Government made the commitment in the Throne Speech last year that this service would be introduced. I am pleased today to announce our delivery on that promise to the people of Bermuda.

“It required two of Bermuda’s emergency service responders coming together to make it happen in the most effective and efficient way possible and the results of that collaboration will now benefit all of our residents.

“I am joined by my colleague the Minister of Health, Environment & Seniors, Minister Atherden and together we are proud to officially launch an improved emergency response service for Bermuda,” the Premier concluded.


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Minister of Health, Seniors & Environment Jeanne Atherden said, “I am very pleased to see that this important enhancement to Bermuda’s ambulance service is now fully operational.

“I would like to thank, on behalf of Government, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service for working together to make this possible.

“It might seem like a small adjustment to the island’s emergency service, but it essentially changes the dynamics of how we respond to emergencies at either end of the island. It is faster and more effective and will help us care for those most critically ill or injured.

“Both the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and Bermuda Hospitals Board teams have worked extremely hard on this project, to ensure a seamless emergency response for people across Bermuda.

“Thank you both for ensuring our residents receive the fastest, most effective ambulance service possible,” added Minister Atherden.

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Comments (13)

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  1. Raw Onion says:

    Finally, something that should have been in place many years ago. There was no need to build the Lamb Foggo Urgent care facility when all that was needed was a 24/7 dedicated ambulance service for both far ends of the island. I’m grateful that the Govt has made it happen and hopefully I’ll never need this service.

    • A Photog says:

      Spoken like someone who doesn’t live in The St George’s St. David’s area

  2. Everett gibson says:

    This is long overdue,however the question I have is why is k.e.m.h ambulance stationed next to the Warwick post office and not at the Southampton fire station?

    • edwin says:

      The ambulance service covers the western end of the island from Khyber Pass to Dockyard, and I’m sure the east is not solely for St.George area.

    • bda says:

      It is stationed at Port royal. Warwick post office is a standby point during particular situations.

  3. Alvin Williams says:

    Lamb/Foggo would have been the ideal base for the East End ambulance service; one more move on the part of the OBA government to close the Lamb/Foggo Urgent care facility. The fact that the Minister of Health Mrs Atherden did not give a clear answer to the future of Lamb/Foggo only means this government will bide it’s time until they announce to the people of the East End that they will be closing Lamb/Foggo and in which case just like Texas where the battle cry was ‘Remember the Alamo’; the political cry come the next election should be ‘Remember Lamb/Foggo’.

    • Billy Boy says:

      Yup, they’re just lining things up for the announcement of the closure of Lamb Foggo.

  4. Scotty says:

    It needs to be closed. It is a very expensive first aid centre. Remember we are supposed to be cutting costs. Plus, It is much more important to have immediate transport from both the east and the west for patients who are critically ill. This system is long overdue for residents who reside the furthest distance away from the acute care hospital. Please note it is nothing to do with politics it is doing the best for Bermuda residents.

    • John says:

      Go ahead close it then the 20+ patients they see can sit in ER …… That clinic takes the pressure off the ER as NON emergencies can go there

    • Orf Deilun says:

      Lamb/Foggo was designed to handle the Critically Ill too. have you been inside? It has all the latest monitoring equipment and treatment meds and experienced staff!

      This is especially important for when the bridge is not working or there is an airport disaster.

      • serengeti says:

        Nope. Wrong. It’s a first aid post for bumps and bruises.
        From the Lambe Foggo website:
        “You might need the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre if you have a minor illness or injury that needs immediate attention, but is in no way life-threatening and is not likely to need surgery or sophisticated diagnostic equipment. This means something like a bump, bruise, graze, cut, cough, cold or earache.”

        • Ronnie C says:

          As mentioned before, VERY EXPENSIVE clinic that is under used. A waste of money and manpower

  5. Oh,I see now says:

    Yes what a great idea for Bermuda also thanks are in order to the Americas Cup group for speeding up a process long over due.