Bill seeks special crisis procurement for GFD ambulances
Three senators on Wednesday introduced a bill that would give the Guam Fire Department special crisis procurement authority to prevent any "critical shortage" of operational ambulances.
Only four of 15 GFD ambulances were reported operational just recently because 11 others are awaiting parts and repairs.
Republican Sens. Frank Blas Jr., Joanne Brown, and Jesse Lujan, authors of Bill 362-37, said the special crisis procurement authority will empower GFD to fulfill the emergency medical response criteria set by the National Fire Protection Association and ensure the availability of fully stocked and equipped ambulances for emergency medical responses.
The senators said at least eight ambulances are needed to provide adequate emergency response, based on information from GFD personnel, to meet NFPA standards.
Blas emphasized the urgency of the situation.
"Despite the fleet encompassing 15 ambulances, 11 of them are non-operational due to repair requirements, and the majority has been entangled in the procurement process since May," Blas said in a press release. "This prevailing circumstance constitutes a crisis that, with proper foresight, could have been averted. It presents a considerable risk that necessitates prompt and immediate mitigation."
Blas said it's absolutely alarming that the administration "is turning a blind eye to the ambulance shortage crisis."
"Imagine the distress of people waiting for hours for urgent medical transport, and the shock of a family being forced to rush their collapsed relative to the emergency room because there was no ambulance available. This is completely unacceptable, especially when the administration claims that healthcare is their top priority," he added.
Brown said these "delays and bureaucratic red-tape are not only wasting precious time but also putting lives at risk."
"This is not a fire drill. A shortage of ambulances threatens response times and, by extension, public health and safety. We cannot afford to squander valuable time when it comes to saving lives. It is imperative to address the procurement process that is standing in the way of progress," Sen. Brown said. "This crisis highlights the broader impact of the shortage, revealing a systemic breakdown in our healthcare services."
The Republican senators said they will call upon the speaker to request that the Legislature convene an emergency session to deliberate and decide on Bill 362-37.
"With only four ambulances operational, God protects our island residents from harm that necessitates speedy medical transport," Lujan said. "While this bill will provide an expedited procurement process for our current crisis, let us hope we will never have to be used again."
