Regional Government reinforces Civil Protection with new fleet of emergency ambulances - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, has recently awarded a public tender for the purchase of twelve emergency ambulances, representing an overall investment of €880,860.00 under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This effort falls within a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Regional Government with the aim of modernising, expanding and increasing the fleet of ambulances serving the various fire departments in the archipelago.

According to Alonso Miguel, the government official responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, "these new vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for transport and emergency medical care, will not only increase the capacity to respond to emergencies, but also ensure better working conditions for the health professionals and firefighters involved in rescue operations."

“The modernisation of the fleet will directly contribute to greater efficiency in the provision of pre-hospital care, ensuring that accident victims or victims of sudden illness receive rapid and qualified assistance,” he continued.

The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, under the supervision of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, plays a key role in managing the emergency medical transport system in the Azores. It is responsible for coordinating rescue operations and ensuring the adequate provision of out-of-hospital health care throughout the territory.

For the government official, "the acquisition of these 12 new ambulances represents another step in consolidating its role as a fundamental entity for the protection and well-being of the Azorean population."

Alonso Miguel clarified that "this investment is part of a broader plan by the Regional Government, focused on the continuous improvement of the Regional Civil Protection System."

"In providing Civil Protection with more modern and efficient resources, the Government ensures that the response to emergencies becomes increasingly rapid, effective and accessible to all inhabitants of the islands," he stressed.

In addition to this investment, there are nine red vehicles, including fire tankers, first aid vehicles, rescue vehicles, 19 command vehicles, nine emergency ambulances, two ILS vehicles and a multi-victim tow truck, with a total estimated investment of €5.6 million.

The Regional Secretary pointed out that “all these investments represent a significant financial effort and clearly reflect the Regional Government’s firm commitment to improving the human and material conditions of the fire brigades. They also strengthen the capacity of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service to protect and safeguard the population.”