Government exploring introducing unified emergency dispatch system

People requiring emergency assistance may soon be able to call one number to access Police, Fire and Ambulance services.

This comes as Government explores introducing a unified dispatch system for its emergency services, to avoid confusion about which number the public should call at critical times.

This was disclosed by Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, following a tour of the Bridgetown, Worthing and Airport Fire Stations. He was joined by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Curtis Gilkes, Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard and other officials.

Mr. Abrahams noted most people did not know the individual emergency numbers for the Fire, Police and Ambulance services, and having a unified system would simplify the process for all.

In addition, he said it would also release trained emergency personnel to return to active duty as currently, trained fire officers, police officers, and ambulance service people are manning the phones which Minister Abrahams deems a waste of manpower.

During the tour, Minister Abrahams also listened to the concerns of fire officers and outlined measures that could be employed to address them.

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