Fire Brigade getting more ambulances, upgraded equipment to improve emergency response

 

The Jamaica Fire Brigade's capacity to respond to emergencies and disasters is being boosted with an expanded ambulance fleet and upgraded equipment, including satellite network services. 

 

Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie says the $5.5 billion pumped into the JFP through his ministry has allowed for improved response times for emergencies. 

 

He says infrastructure upgrades have also been undertaken to provide better working conditions for firefighters.

 

"I am pleased to announce that after years of neglect, run down, I will be officially handing over the new renovated fire station in Annotto Bay, which was refurbished at a cost of over $90 million, Madam Speaker. In addition to the new records management software system, which I announced last year, the JFB have been installing Starlink satellite network service to increase service reach across the country. So the various divisional headquarters in St. James, in St. Mary, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Kingston, Manchester, St. Andrew and St. Catherine will all have these facilities," the minister announced.

 

He said the Fire Prevention Unit in St. Ann will benefit from the increased communication and data sharing speed across the brigade, especially for remote areas. 

 

The minister noted that over 55 per cent of emergency calls are related to bushfires. 

 

He also announced an expansion of the JFB's medical services to better assist with road crashes.

 

"We have seven such locations operating in Waterford, Linstead, Falmouth, Ironshore, Lucea, Negril and Sav-la-Mar, and they are served by 93 emergency medical technicians. The ministry is making a special effort to acquire additional ambulance services. And today, I am pleased to announce in this honourable House that the Sandals Group have indicated in writing that they are donating two ambulances at a value of over $12 million to be located in the parishes of St. James and St. Ann."

 

In addition to that, Mr. McKenzie, who was making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, said the Ministry of Local Government will be "making the necessary arrangements to provide three additional ambulances". 

 

He said fire investigators are also being trained to better manage reported incidents.