Over 1,600 Emergency Calls Handled in Nine Months: New Ambulances Arrive at a Critical Time, Says CMO

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 28th, 2025 (PMO) — Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws has revealed that the ambulance service at the Joseph N. France General Hospital has already responded to approximately 1,628 emergency calls between January and September 2025, averaging 180 requests per month, a figure she says underscores the “critical demand for emergency services” across the Federation.

The disclosure came as Dr. Laws addressed the official commissioning ceremony for the five new ambulances, held at the JNF General Hospital, noting that the arrival of the new fleet was “timely and necessary,” given the heavy and growing reliance on emergency medical services.

“These figures remind us of the critical demand for emergency services and the important role our ambulance team play in protecting lives every day,” Dr. Laws stated.

The Chief Medical Officer noted that the number of emergency requests often rises during high-traffic periods such as Christmas and Carnival, putting immense pressure on the health system and frontline responders. “Here at the JNF General Hospital, the ambulance team has responded to approximately 1,628 calls between January and September of this year. That’s an average of about 180 requests per month. And as you know, this number changes throughout the year, often increasing during busy times such as Christmas and carnival,” she explained.

She emphasized that these new ambulances will significantly expand capacity and reliability, ensuring that emergency care continues to reach those in need swiftly and safely.

The fleet, procured in collaboration with TDC Automotive, is expected to enhance the country’s preparedness for a wide range of emergencies, including road traffic accidents, natural disasters, and potential mass casualty events.

“They will also enhance and strengthen our preparedness and ability to respond to road traffic accidents, natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies and mass casualty events,” Dr. Laws added.