Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services - Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment.

Emergency Medical Services

The Antigua Barbuda Emergency Medical Services is responsible for providing urgent pre-hospital treatment and stabilization for serious illness and injuries and transport to definitive care.

As a first resort, the EMS provides treatment on the scene to those in need of urgent medical care. If it is deemed necessary, they are tasked with transferring the patient to a higher level for medical treatment such as the Emergency Room of the Mount St. Johns Medical Center.

ABEMS can be summoned by members of the public (as well as medical facilities, other emergency services, businesses and authorities) via an emergency telephone number which puts them in contact with a control facility which will then dispatch a suitable resource for the situation. The emergency number is 911.

Mission

To provide the very best pre-hospital care and emergency training to Antigua and Barbuda while fostering a strong relationship to protect the health, safety and welfare of our community with pride, professionalism, commitment and dedication.

Leadership

Shawn Greenidge

Director of ABEMS

TRAINING

The Antigua Barbuda Emergency Medical Services currently offers three courses. They are Emergency Medical Technician (Basic), First Aid and CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS).

To take part in the Emergency Medical Technician (BASIC) Course, one must ;

Be 18 years old or above
Have at least four CXC subjects or experience / work history the admission body deem applicable to the program
Have no criminal record
Have no psychological problems like anxiety or schizophrenia
Have no back injuries or challenges
Be able to lift 150 lbs comfortably
Have excellent communications skills
Write a 500 word essay on why I want to be an EMT
An interview with the admission body
Immunization must be up to date
If accepted, tuition must be paid in advance

If you are interested in the First Aid and CPR course or the Basic Life Support Course, please contact the ABEMS at 562-2434.

BECOME AN EMT

If you are interested in becoming an Emergency Medical Technician attached to the Antigua Barbuda Emergency Medical Services, You MUST posess the following;

ABEMS, AUA, UWI EMT or any other recognized certification (EMT-B or AEMT)
Employees must also maintain the currency of their certification of license with mandatory recertification every three years, and continuing education in accordance with ABEMS policies/training program.
Current American Heart Association or CPR certification at the level appropriate to the professional rescuer.
A valid driver’s license for a period of not less than four years
A negative TB skin test and clear chest x-ray no more than one (1) year previously.
A copy of Hepatitis B vaccination
A full physical and mental evaluation
A clean police record with no convictions
Be able to lift loads of at least one hundred and twenty-five pounds
Be able to work on a shift Rotational basis
Be 18 years of age or older.