Letter of the Day | Ja needs a fully integrated, islandwide emergency response system

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica continues to face significant challenges from both gun violence and reckless driving, which contribute to our alarmingly high fatality rates.

I recently watched a video of a tragic accident in which two people reportedly died. The injured, along with apparently one of the deceased, were placed in a taxi and presumably transported to the nearest hospitalm even though firefighters were already on the scene. The episode was both heartbreaking and undignified. This is unacceptable in 2025. We must do better. Jamaica needs a proper ambulance service.

At present, the country lacks a fully integrated, islandwide emergency response system. The Jamaica Fire Brigade does offer emergency services from six stations, primarily in the west and along the north coast, but this coverage is grossly inadequate. Given the high number of deaths resulting from traffic accidents and gunshot wounds, immediate medical intervention is essential. Without an islandwide system, lives are needlessly lost every day.

To address this, I propose the establishment of a national emergency medical response service. While building a full-scale ambulance network from scratch might seem costly, expenses could be significantly reduced by utilising existing personnel, specifically, firefighters and soldiers.

These professionals are already stationed throughout the island, and, I assume, often experience periods of low activity. With targetted training as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, they could form the backbone of an effective rapid-response system.

In addition, the government should explore the creation of volunteer ambulance services, similar to those operating in many US states, Canada and South Africa, where trained civilians assist in responding to emergencies. This model could expand reach, foster community engagement, and offer life-saving care, even in remote areas.

UPHOLDS STANDARDS OF CARE

Firefighters and soldiers are already familiar with high-pressure emergency situations. By expanding their training to include basic and advanced life-saving care, we could dramatically increase survival rates. Since these individuals are already on the public payroll, the additional cost would be relatively modest. Even if small salary enhancements were necessary, the financial burden on the national budget would be manageable.

Jamaica deserves a modern, professional emergency medical service staffed by professionals and supplemented by devoted volunteers. Our current reliance on taxis and improvised transportation is a tragic reminder of our unpreparedness and a seeming lack of self-respect. We must act urgently to implement a system that truly reflects the value we place on human life.

I urge the government to consider this proposal with the seriousness it deserves and to begin the process of establishing a nationwide emergency response service, one that saves lives and upholds fundamental standards of care and human dignity.

D. MICHAEL BRITTON

jambritton@gmail.com