Immediate Life Support service (SIV) ambulances entered into operation in the Azores today. S. Miguel and Terceira already have the new emergency medical service vehicles at the service of the population. Faial Island will be the next in the month of April.

The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures marked the entry into operation of SIV ambulances in Angra do Heroísmo today, stressing that with this new service "a new step is being taken in the improvement of safety in the Azores."

Currently, 60 nurses from the Regional Health Service work on SIV ambulances, providing specialised medical assistance on site.
"We now have the capacity, in collaboration with the Regional Secretary for Health and hospital units, to provide improved health care in the area of medical emergency," stated the government who conveyed his satisfaction with a service that help saving more lives and ensure the safety of families."

The Regional Secretary visited the Emergency Operations Centre, installed at the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, which is in charge of centralising and screening 112 calls in order to subsequently activate the appropriate response. José Contente emphasised that this service "ensures a better diagnosis as well as a better use and rationalisation of the resources and equipments available in the Region."

The government official also highlighted the considerable investment made by the Government in the training and qualification of human resources in the area of Civil Protection, particularly at the level of medical emergency as it accounts for 80 percent of the activities carried out by firefighters. The Government has invested 3.9 million Euros in this area.

"So, sometimes we do not understand the misplaced criticism made to the Government in several areas, mainly at the level of medical emergency. We continue to be on the path of excellence as we are making great strides both in terms of infrastructures and staff training," added the Regional Secretary.