The Health and Social Care Portfolio celebrated International Paramedics Day 2025, focusing on the theme “Unity and Community.” This global event, held annually on July 8, commemorates Dominique Jean Larrey’s contributions as the father of modern ambulance services. It honors paramedics worldwide for their critical role in emergency response.
In St Helena, a Community Coffee Morning was organized by the Ambulance Team to mark the occasion. The event gathered current and former ambulance staff alongside government colleagues who collaborate with paramedics. It highlighted the collective efforts in providing emergency care on the island.
Over the past year, significant progress has been made by St Helena’s paramedic team:
– They attended 571 ambulance calls in 2024/25.
– 21% of patients were treated on scene without hospital admission.
– Training was provided to 251 first-aiders and 40 emergency first responders.
– Clinical education was facilitated for 507 learners.
– First-aid cover was offered at major community events like St Helena’s Day and Festival of Lights.
– Patient transport journeys supported timely hospital discharges.
– New tools such as ‘what3words’ and ‘GoodSAM’ were introduced to enhance emergency response.
– Clinical support was provided in the Emergency Department alongside doctors.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager (Senior Paramedic), stated: “This year’s theme is a timely reminder that paramedics are part of a wider team. Here on St Helena, we rely on each other. Colleagues from the hospital, social care, carers, police, fire, sea rescue, airport and many other services all contribute to the care we provide. Today was a chance to celebrate those shared efforts and reflect on how far we’ve come as a service.”
He added plans for introducing weekend cover in the Emergency Department: “We recognise that emergencies happen at all hours…It is another step in our ongoing commitment to being there when our community needs us.”
Since their introduction in 2022, paramedics have significantly developed St Helena’s ambulance service through clinical leadership and interagency collaboration.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio thanked everyone who participated in the event and acknowledged professionals contributing to emergency care delivery.