UPDATE: EMS Now Available; Fire Service To Step In

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are now available, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) announced moments ago.

As a temporary measure, the Road Town Fire Department will assist EMS personnel in responding to emergency calls to ensure continued coverage.

The BVIHSA said evening and night shifts will resume operations from the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

Members of the public experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 for immediate assistance. Emergency personnel will be dispatched as required.

The Authority thanked the public for its patience, understanding and cooperation as it works to maintain safe, timely and reliable emergency medical services.

Previous Story-Staffing Shortage Forces Temporary Suspension of EMS Coverage From Hospital

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage from the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has been temporarily suspended as the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) grapples with a staffing shortage compounded by illness among employees.

The Authority announced the disruption on Tuesday, September 1, advising that EMS coverage from the hospital is temporarily unavailable while efforts are made to address the staffing situation.

According to BVIHSA, the shortage is being compounded by staff absences due to illness, leaving the Authority unable to maintain normal EMS operations from the hospital.

“The Authority is actively coordinating available resources and exploring measures to restore EMS coverage as quickly as possible,” BVIHSA said.

The temporary suspension is likely to raise concern given the critical role EMS plays in responding to medical emergencies across the Territory.

BVIHSA acknowledged the importance of the service and the concern the disruption may cause, assuring residents that work is underway to resolve the situation and restore normal operations.

The Authority has not indicated how long the disruption is expected to last or provided details on alternative arrangements for persons requiring emergency ambulance services during the period.

It said further updates will be issued as service availability changes.

Staffing and recruitment have previously been areas of focus for the Authority, including recruitment for emergency-care positions and broader efforts aimed at clinical staff recruitment and retention.