A new ambulance has been deployed to the Glanvilles Polyclinic in St Philip, a move that Parliamentary Representative Randy Baltimore says will significantly strengthen emergency medical response across the region. According to Antigua News Room, Baltimore made the remarks during the official handover ceremony, welcoming the addition as a long-awaited development for residents in the eastern corridor.
"I must give thanks to the Minister of Health for this initiative. It is long-awaiting and we welcome it very much," Baltimore said, addressing emergency personnel, nurses and doctors gathered at the event.
Baltimore stressed the life-saving importance of rapid emergency care, invoking a simple but pointed message for first responders. "We also need a phrase — every second counts," he said.
The MP indicated that the new ambulance would directly benefit communities across both St Philip's North and South, as well as neighbouring villages. "It would help to foster the medical services through St Philip's North and also St Philip's South and the neighboring communities within this area," he said.
Baltimore also spoke directly to the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who will operate the vehicle, underscoring the weight of their responsibilities. "This is your office, and within it, you will make the difference between a crisis and a success story," he told them.
The ambulance's deployment at Glanvilles is expected to reduce dependence on units dispatched from St John's, cutting response times and relieving pressure on existing emergency services. The vehicle was formally handed over during the ceremony and is expected to enter immediate service as part of broader efforts to expand emergency medical coverage across eastern Antigua.
