The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arm of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has been boosted by the donation of two ambulances by Sandals Resorts International.

The ambulances are valued at $12 million.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie made the announcement Wednesday, during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate at Gordon House. He described the work of the EMS as “one of the important features of the JFB’s work in the field”.

He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Sandals “for being a tremendous partner to this ministry and for being an undisputed champion of nation building”.

McKenzie said the EMS has been saving lives through the use of an expanding fleet of ambulances to respond swiftly to fires, accidents and other emergencies.

There are seven EMS sites currently in operation, in Waterford and Linstead in St Catherine; Falmouth, Trelawny; Ironshore in St James; Lucea, Negril and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.

These seven locations are served by 93 emergency medical technicians.

“The ministry is making a special effort to acquire additional ambulances for the EMS to fully support the expansion of this project into five new areas in short order. These will be Montego Bay, Port Maria, Yallahs, Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay,” McKenzie said.