safety steps

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) launched its very own ambulance service, in alignment with its auxiliary role to the Government, to help reduce risks, protect human dignity, deliver assistance, and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

This service will complement existing public and private emergency care management systems to improve health care delivery across Antigua. The new Ford ambulance was a gift from the Japanese Red Cross.

The ambulance is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art unit, that will be of significant benefit to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The ambulance service will include First Aid coverage for local events and para-transit transportation and will be led by a qualified health team including certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) under the management of the ABRCS Health and Wellness Department.

Speaking at the launch of this service, the Programmes and Operations Officer, Ms. Victoria Charlton, under whose portfolio Health and Wellness fall, expressed her elation at this major accomplishment.

She commended the excellent leadership of the ABRCS President, Dr. Jose Humphreys, for his visionary approach to leadership which led to this significant undertaking becoming a success.

The official launch of the ambulance service was held Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the ABRCS office at Old Parham Road, Saint Johns, under the patronage of Their Excellencies, the Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Health and Wellness, Environment and Social Transformation, Sir Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Prevention Unit Manager at the Medical Benefits Scheme, Ms. Josina France, representatives from the Fire Department, Mr. Paul Ryan and Mr. Brian Williams of the Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association, and Mr. Hazel Henry, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Caribbean Cancer Center.

His Excellency, Sir Rodney Williams during his remarks, underscored the stellar work of the Red Cross and the significance of this step in adding to the fleet complement available to the public where access to emergency care is concerned. He stated that as a physician, he is well aware of the importance of urgent assistance in an emergency and congratulated the President and the ABRC for this great accomplishment.

Sir Hon. Molwyn Joseph, the Minister of Health, in his speech, emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership between the ABRCS and the Ministry of Health and pledged the Ministry’s support in fostering this partnership.

Sir Molwyn told the audience that there are currently five working ambulances in Antigua and Barbuda the aim is to bring 10 fully functional ambulances on stream to serve the people on Antigua and Barbuda.

He underscored that the commissioning of the ABRCS ambulance is a welcomed addition to the emergency medical fleet in Antigua and Barbuda and congratulated the President and the ABRCS for this accomplishment.

Mr. Juan Garland, Institutional Development Coordinator with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) congratulated the ABRCS on continuing their role in delivering care to those in need and for the strides, the National Society has made in aligning with the vision of the international Red Cross Movement.

Dr. Jose Humphreys, the recently elected President of the ABRCS shared the many challenges prior to his tenure as President and the arduous work that the team has executed to bring the national society to this high level of achievement.

He thanked the members of his team for their tireless efforts over the past seven (7) months and in his closing remarks, reminded the audience of the Nguni Bantu term “Ubuntu,” meaning “humanity” which translates to, “I am because WE are!” He shared that this is the foundational ideology that contributed to the level of success the national society has enjoyed thus far. He further emphasized the benefits of unity and reminded everyone that, “Together we Can!”

The ambulance was officially commissioned by His Excellency, Sir Rodney Williams, Sir Hon Molwyn Joseph and the ABRCS President, Dr. Jose Humphreys by the cutting of ribbons.

Persons who wish to book the services of the ambulance may contact the ABRCS at +1 (268) 462-0800 or send an email to abredcrosssociety@gmail.com.