Incumbent Parliamentary Representative for the area, Randy Baltimore, says the deployment of a new ambulance to the Glanvilles Polyclinic will significantly improve emergency medical response across St Philip and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Baltimore welcomed the addition, describing it as a long-awaited development for residents in the eastern corridor.

“I must give thanks to the Minister of Health… for this initiative. It is long-awaiting and we welcome it very much,” Baltimore said.

He told emergency personnel, nurses and doctors gathered at the event that the new ambulance would play a critical role in saving lives, stressing the urgency of timely care.

“We also need a phrase — every second counts,” he said.

Baltimore noted that the enhanced emergency service would directly benefit communities in St Philip’s North and South, as well as neighbouring villages, by improving access to faster medical assistance.

“It would help to foster the medical services through St. Philip’s North and also St. Philip’s South and the neighboring communities within this area,” he said.

He also addressed emergency medical technicians and paramedics who will operate the vehicle, highlighting the importance of their role on the front lines of care.

“This is your office, and within it, you will make the difference between a crisis and a success story,” Baltimore said.

The MP added that the presence of the ambulance in Glanvilles is expected to reduce reliance on units travelling from St John’s, cutting response times and easing pressure on existing services.

The vehicle was officially handed over during the ceremony and is expected to be placed into immediate service, forming part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical coverage in eastern Antigua.