Tobago needs ambulances

A fleet of 14 ambulances would be adequate to service the needs of Tobago.

Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) chairman Ingrid Melville gave that response to a question from Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities Joint Select Committee (JSC) chairman Dr Varma Deyalsingh during a public hearing at Tower D of the Port of Spain International Waterfront Centre on Wednesday.

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Health Secretary Dr Agatha Carrington said of ten ambulances purchased in 2015, two were not working.

TRHA acting CEO Michelle Edwards-Benjamin was optimistic that these two ambulances could be operational within the first quarter of this year. Edwards-Benjamin said the lifespan of an ambulance was five years and the TRHA would be looking to buy new ambulances in the near future.

She said the six working ambulances were based at Parlatuivier, Charlotteville, Delaford, Lowlands, Plymouth and Scarborough. The other two are kept in reserve.

Carrington said the TRHA was pursuing an arrangement with the Vehicle Maintenance Company (VMCOTT) to maintain the ambulances.

In response to questions from Diego Martin Central MP Daryl Smith, Tobago Emergency Management Services (TEMA) manager Lester Frederick said steps had been taken to ensure the ambulances had no problems where inspections were concerned.

Deyalsingh said that was important, since there was a situation in the past where a Global Medical Response TT ambulance exploded.

Edwards-Benjamin said there are a total of 48 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) employed with the TRHA. Frederick said there were eight EMTs at each of the six ambulance bases and two EMTs operate an ambulance.

In response to questions from Deyalsingh, Frederick said all EMTs have basic life-support training.

Benjamin-Edwards said the EMTs are paid a salary of $12,000-$15,000.

Dianne Baker-Henry, THA Health Division administrator, told JSC members the TRHA received its financial allocations on time.

Recalling the Toco/Sangre Grande Regional Corporation last year got a water ambulance from the Japanese government, Melville and Carrington said they would not mind a similar vessel for Tobago, if it is possible. Edwards-Benjamin also said the medical helicopter service between Trinidad and Tobago worked very well.