Barbados has taken a significant leap in enhancing its emergency response capabilities with the launch of a $1 million upgrade, including the introduction of its first dedicated ambulance as part of a new national ambulance system. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to reduce response times and improve efficiency in handling urban fires and flood-related emergencies. The upgraded fleet features two high-capacity trash pumps, a fully equipped ambulance, and two compact fire tenders designed to navigate narrow city streets often obstructed by parked vehicles. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced that the new headquarters at The Pine, initially planned solely for the Fire Service, will now also house the National Ambulance Service. This joint facility is expected to strengthen coordination between the two services, as they often respond to similar emergencies. Abrahams emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the upgrades, noting that the entire fleet, including the two fire tenders, two trash pumps, and the ambulance, cost less than $800,000. The new trash pumps, the first of their kind in Barbados, are designed to dewater flooded areas swiftly, reducing flood damage and mosquito breeding. Additionally, all new fire officers are being trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide immediate medical assistance while awaiting ambulance transport. Abrahams praised the Barbados Fire Service for its vision and dedication, describing the upgrades as ‘cutting-edge technology’ that propels the service into the modern era. The new systems are expected to significantly improve public safety and save lives by enabling faster and more efficient responses to emergencies.