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Firemen should also be trained as EMTs – Speak Your Mind host

Speak Your Mind TV host, Julio S. Henry felt that firemen could also be trained as EMTs at certain fire stations around the Territory. VINO's Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – One television commentator, Mr Julio S. Henry, believes that firemen should also be trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at some of the fire stations around the Territory.

Mr Henry expressed this view last evening, December 15, 2012, on the Speak Your Mind TV show while noting that this could be a solution in relation to healthcare problems experienced around the island.

“When you look at some of the major areas like East End, West End [and] Cane Garden Bay,” he said, “you have a fire station in East End… I think the men and women who are firemen and firewomen at those locations, should be trained as EMTs.”

According to the host, who emphasised that this was only a suggestion on his part, an ambulance should also be stationed at these areas. Mr Henry added that this would eliminate some of the time that it takes for an ambulance to come from Road Town to reach distant areas such as East End, West End or Cane Garden Bay in instances of emergency.

“I don’t see why we can’t have trained EMTs who are also fire officers, who can respond much quicker to situations in their areas,” he continued.

He also noted that he had previously spoken about the idea with Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton.

“I think it’s something that would work for the community,” Henry added.

He reasoned that it took much time between calls made to emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 and the dispatching of officers or medical personnel to respond to these emergencies.

His opinion was that certified EMTs in closer proximity to the origin of emergency calls to these areas would make a remarkable difference and could respond in as little as three minutes with knowledge of the area.

Job creation in various communities was another benefit that the host saw from the initiative, as he considered that once the ambulances were in working order they should be put to use in these strategic areas, “here it is we have an opportunity to also put more jobs on the table and help some of our young people,” he remarked.

 

19 Responses to “Firemen should also be trained as EMTs – Speak Your Mind host”

  • Lb (16/12/2012, 09:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Firemen ARE trained as EMTs and Emergency responders! Do your homework.
    • wet well (16/12/2012, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      why you all aint giving the man a break....his point tis value
    • fireman (17/12/2012, 01:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      he needs to get to the point we need to get paid like EMTS !!!!!!!!!!
  • Where have u been??/ (16/12/2012, 10:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are some Fire officers who are trained in this area already especially at Beef Island and Road Town....Next topic plz
  • itchy (16/12/2012, 10:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    it semm as though that u got a lot of mouth you talk too much and you seems to be a envious talk show host
    fire men are trained in e m t like you just come back here to live
  • mecca (16/12/2012, 10:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    smart a** firemen are trained ems u need to now talk to the health services authority about the equipments
  • vip (16/12/2012, 11:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    this guy is a plain out pro NDP talk show host
  • rockaway (16/12/2012, 16:55) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    This has been in the works for a million years. Its not a new idea, but government never puts the resources to make it happen. I am glad Mr Henry is highlighting this, even if he thinks its an original idea.
    • l (17/12/2012, 13:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Since 2000, the Fire Department has been training firemen to be EMTs. A number of them are, or have been, nationally certified. A number of them have also left the department to use their skills where they would be fairly compensated. Do your homework.
      • rockaway (17/12/2012, 16:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Nice. So where is the national EMS service? There is none. Homework done!
  • runner (16/12/2012, 17:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't like where he is heading. Fireman are trained in EMT/EMS but their primary job is to fight fires. So EMT and EMS got their role. So don't try to overburden firefighters.
    • Blossom (18/12/2012, 05:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      And when dealing with fighting a fire and individuals need medical service they can do so and don't have to wait until the ambulance comes. So having the qualification is very important; it services 2 purposes.
  • shark (16/12/2012, 20:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sam I totally Agree with you 100%. First they need a modern 911 dispatch system.and trained 911 dispatchers who knows the island geographically.east end long look community is he largest community on the islands and u have the airport there also,is case of a catastrophic event they should have an ambulance based in that community at all times, we still have a lot of work to do,we need to start training individuals for these positions.
    • cherry (18/12/2012, 05:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      These are immediate needs. Which I hope will be implemented immediately. Each community should approach their elected representative about providing funds; also individuals in the community should contributing funds; raise funds; and seeking funds from local businesses and international foundations to contribute to the purchase of an ambulance and training of personnel. Who want to initiate this action. Maybe Sam can be the forerunner on this important need of the country; a committee should be form. It will certainly cut down response time on emergency calls.
  • Breezy (16/12/2012, 21:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey dude you need to check facts. BVI Officers have been trained and Nationally Certified since 2000.
  • usvi (17/12/2012, 02:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh lawd....
  • pING pONG (17/12/2012, 10:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    yAWN...Julio and his usual Monday 15 mins of fame. While he is at it why doesn't he enquire why taxi dirvers aren't trained in First Aid as well.....are you Sam?
  • Fire Fighter (18/12/2012, 17:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I fully agree with this guy. I believe that ALL FIRE FIGHTER"S should be certified EMT's, not just Basic EMT but they should be Paramedic's. with this said the we should also be paid for our certifications.


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