Health

15 Years Later, V.I. Fire Service and EMS Become One Unit; Bryan Sets Aside $1 Million For New Equipment, Training for EMS Personnel

Fifteen years after the first attempt was made to integrate the V.I. Fire Service and the Emergency Medical Services, that effort became a reality when Governor Albert Bryan signed Bill 34-0101 into law on Friday during an enactment ceremony. It is an Act amending the Virgin Islands Code to add a unit within the existing Virgin Islands Fire Service for emergency medical services, and to establish the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services to provide fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency medical services, and for the protection of life and property. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said the two government agencies have acted in silo in the past and have competed for similar funding. The agencies also have argued in many situations that they are too underfunded and understaffed to adequately meet the needs of the community, according to the health commissioner. “This integration breaks down those silos and creates collaboration and enhances co...