PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (JAEMT), Garth Richards, says the association is aiming to develop and establish a formal Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system in Jamaica.

Richards noted that the organisation also plans, as one of its main objectives, “to educate and sensitise the public” about the importance of having a functional EMS as well as the training and certification of members.

The president was speaking at the launch of the association at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies on Monday.

“We cannot have persons in the business not being certified; that wouldn’t make sense,” Richards emphasised, indicating that well-trained professionals are necessary to bring the sector to First World standards.

The president also noted that partnerships with key stakeholders in the business of emergency medical care will be necessary to the sustainability of the industry.

Public relations officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Emilio Ebanks, congratulated the JAEMT for seeking to formalise the sector.

Ebanks indicated that having the JAEMT as an association is long overdue, especially in a profession that has been around for a long time.

He pointed out that the Fire Brigade initiated its EMS in April 1996.

Emergency medical technician respond to road traffic crashes, life-threatening trauma, cardiovascular emergencies and unconscious persons, among other things.