Concerns Raised Over EMTs at JNF Hospital as Calls for Better Treatment and Conditions Intensify

Basseterre, St. Kitts – January 18, 2025 – Serious concerns have been raised about the state of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department at the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, as an anonymous source alleges years of mismanagement, inadequate support, and poor working conditions for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

In a statement sent to our editors, the whistleblower highlighted that the EMS department continues to operate as a pilot program despite its existence for over a decade. According to the statement, some EMTs have been employed for as long as 12 years without appraisals or official appointments. Others, who have served for up to four years, face the same uncertainty.

The situation has worsened with reports of new interviews being conducted to hire additional EMTs. Shockingly, current staff members are being told to redo the entrance exam they had previously passed to secure their jobs, with officials claiming there are no records of their prior assessments.

“If no records are there, how did the EMTs get employed when they had to pass the exam to get the job?” the statement questioned.

Poor Pay and Working Conditions

The source also revealed that many EMTs earn less than $2,000 monthly and are forced to take second jobs to make ends meet. Despite being first responders handling life-threatening emergencies and gruesome situations, they reportedly receive no recognition or proper compensation.

The letter detailed the physical toll the job takes on EMTs, citing a lack of proper stretchers and ambulances. EMTs are often required to lift heavy patients up stairs, with family members sometimes refusing to assist.

“These are the persons that start patient care in the field to save lives. They need to be paid better and deserve better working equipment,” the source added.

A Call for Ministerial Intervention

The anonymous statement also called on Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who serves as the Federal Minister of Health, to address these issues urgently.

“I would like to get some clarification from the Minister of Health about what he thinks about the EMS department and why it is still being run as a pilot program after all these years,” the source said.

The statement concluded with a plea for better treatment, equipment, and respect for EMTs, emphasizing the essential role they play in patient care and life-saving efforts.

Growing Public Concern

The allegations have sparked discussions across social media, with many users expressing outrage over the reported treatment of EMTs and calling for immediate action to improve their conditions.

Health officials and the government have yet to issue a statement addressing the claims. The EMS department remains a critical component of the healthcare system, and its proper functioning is seen as vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation’s citizens.

This developing story underscores the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare sector to ensure all workers are adequately supported and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

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