Last Updated on May 20, 2025, 11:06 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Foreign Affairs Minister Denzil Douglas has extended his warmest congratulations to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers in St Kitts and Nevis which is celebrating EMS Week from May 18 to May 24, 2025. The theme for this year’s celebration is “We Care. For Everyone,” which highlights the dedication and inclusive nature of EMS professionals.
Minister Douglas reported that EMS units play a very important role in the health care system through their dedicated service of providing healthcare to patients. He also noted that the development of EMS in the twin island nation has seen great improvement in the quality of emergency response and patient outcome.
In a post shared on Facebook, Minister Douglas reported that for 22 years, from 1977 basic first aid trained fire officers were in charge of bringing in emergency cases to the hospitals.
In response to the urgent need for more advanced prehospital care, the government began training the very first batch of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in December 1999. This was a major step towards delivering on-scene medical care and treatment while in transit to medical centers.
He said, “We appreciate the Great Work that you do and May this week further highlights your critical and supportive Roles in the maintenance and continuity of quality Healthcare here in St Kitts and Nevis.”
Notably, with December 2025 approaching, the administration will be marking the 26th anniversary of EMT service in St Kitts and Nevis. This milestone is a reflection of the nation’s ongoing commitment to improve emergency medical care, as they honor the great work of EMS professionals.
Government’s role in the development of EMS
Over the last few years, the government has remained committed to investing in EMS development. In March 2023, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew put forth plans to improve EMS which included large scale training programs for EMTs which in turn raised their skill level from basic to paramedic.
St Kitts and Nevis rolled out a training program which began on January 27 at the JNF General Hospital to train Emergency Medicine Staff and professionals as part of the country’s medical advancement plan.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
