THE SAFETY RECORD OF THE DEPARTMENT REMAINS ALMOST UNBLEMISHED AND IS A STANDARD ACCORDED THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.

The management and staff of the Saint Lucia Fire Service have reaffirmed the commitment of officers to professionally serving nationals in the provision of emergency care services.

Assurances have been issued by Acting Chief Fire Officer Mr. Ditney Downes, who issued an official statement on the incident occurring in the community of Dennery resulting in injury to responding officers, and individuals being transported aboard an ambulance.

A commitment to extend all necessary support to individuals impacted by the incident that occurred on Sep. 7 has been issued by acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Ditney Downes. Mr. Downes reaffirmed the continued commitment of officers to maintaining the highest standards of professional service.

“The Saint Lucia Fire Service wishes to reassure the public that the organization maintains the highest level of professionalism among its emergency vehicle drivers, including ambulance drivers. With the critical nature of calls undertaken by the department, every second counts. Emergency response officers remain dedicated to the safe transportation of members of the public, to and from medical facilities.”

According to the Acting Chief, the Saint Lucia Fire Service holds several chapters of its Emergency Vehicle Operator Course per year, with two sessions being completed within recent weeks. The 40-hour courses were conducted from Aug. 14 to 18, and 21 to 25. The Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) has formed part of the training curriculum of the Saint Lucia Fire Service for several years.

“The Emergency Vehicle Operators Course has been administered by the Saint Lucia Fire Service for the past five years, commencing in 2018. Officers continue to be engaged in training, through the support of the United States Agency for International Development (US-AID) which is in alignment with stringent international standards,” he said.

In 2022, in excess of fifteen thousand ambulance calls were recorded by the Saint Lucia Fire Service. In that year, only one accident involving emergency responders was recorded.

“Maintaining the safety of members of the public while delivering care remains of significant importance to all officers. The safety record of the department remains almost unblemished and is a standard accorded the highest priority on a day to day basis. An investigation to determine the cause of the incident which occurred on Wednesday September 6th has been launched and remains ongoing.”

Providing an update on the officers impacted, the Acting Fire Chief also addressed, the potential impact of the incident on its ability to serve the public.

“The loss of the ambulance will present some challenge to the responses rendered due to the impact on resources, however the GOSL has approved the purchase of four new ambulances. This is expected to improve the responses extended to members of the public. Two officers of the Saint Lucia Fire Service, the driver and attendant aboard have been discharged, and are recuperating.”

Mr. Downes also revealed that engagement of the individuals affected by Wednesday’s incident was swift, with assurances of support extended on site.

“Immediately after rescue operations were concluded on Wednesday morning, I spoke with the tenant, and individual responsible for of the home impacted. I conveyed that the Saint Lucia Fire Service is committed, through its insurance agent to ensure that their property is restored to its original state. Forty - five minutes after the rescue operation concluded, the insurance adjuster arrived on site. He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Ag.) Mr. Thomas John. Earlier today, I also spoke with the individual who was accompanying the patient, and assured her that the department remains fully committed to provide any support necessary.”

The Minister for Home Affairs, along with the Management and Staff of the Saint Lucia Fire Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and empathy to the family impacted.