KINGSTON, Jamaica – The operator of Sangster International Airport in the western city of Montego Bay, has secured an ambulance that will be permanently based at the airport to respond to emergencies.
The unit was provided by Hospiten, a private medical facility, with which MBJ Airports – the operator of the airport, has a contractual arrangement for the provision of ambulance services.
The ambulance was secured in the wake of a review of emergency protocols at the airport takes place following last Wednesday’s incident in which a passenger collapsed and died at the airport.
The lack of an onsite ambulance was one of the concerns arising from the tragedy.
According to the President and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Audley Deidrick, changes have also been made to the medical services provided at Sangster International.
“I am pleased to advise that given the review to take place of the whole protocols that are involved, that already in response to this particular concern, that the airport operator has already altered their arrangement with the ambulance providers and have in fact now secured permanent placement of the ambulance at the airport during operational hours,” he said while speaking on a morning radio show.
He however noted that the previous ambulance arrangements at the airport were in accordance with International Civil Aviation regulations.