Guyana’s emergency response system is set for a major overhaul beginning early next year, with the rollout of a fully revamped Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programme that will introduce standardised ambulances, trained emergency technicians, and a centralised dispatch system.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony outlined the initiative while speaking on the government’s broader health‑sector transformation, noting that the new EMS will be phased in over the next two to three years and eventually operate under a semi‑autonomous authority.
According to Dr. Anthony, the upgraded system will feature standardised ambulances equipped with life‑support tools to stabilise patients from the moment they are picked up, whether at an accident scene or a remote community.
“We’ll be training EMTs at various levels, level one, level two, level three so they can provide services while transporting the patient,” he explained.
A central coordination hub will manage all ambulance movements, allowing the public to call in and have units dispatched rapidly. The ministry is working with Northwell, a U.S.-based health network, to strengthen dispatch standards and ensure strict adherence to emergency protocols.
To cut response times, ambulances will be pre‑positioned across strategic locations, ensuring faster access to patients in urgent need.
Beyond land‑based units, the government is also preparing to introduce water ambulances and medivac services, expanding emergency coverage to riverain and hinterland communities.
“All of this will be in one integrated system,” Dr. Anthony said. “Starting from early next year, you will see us begin introducing elements of this, and over the next couple of years, the system will be fully built out.”
The minister emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s blueprint for a modernised, world‑class health sector.
“You can look forward to better care, timely care, and improvements no matter where you live,” he added, noting that the next five years will bring even deeper transformation.
