Emergency Medical Services
The BVIHSA EMS is dedicated to providing consistent, timely, and clinically excellent prehospital emergency care to patients across the British Virgin Islands. Our team of highly trained emergency medical personnel works around the clock to ensure quality care and rapid transport for those in need. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that help is always just a call away.
Our goal is to deliver the right care at the right time – wherever needed – for everyone in the BVI, 24/7, 365 days a year.
What We Do
- Pre-arranged patient transport for non-emergency medical needs.
- Community engagement and training through our Restart a Heart Initiative.
Highly Skilled Emergency Care Providers
Our EMS team consists of expertly trained pre-hospital emergency care providers equipped to handle a range of serious medical emergencies. Our ambulances are fully stocked with advanced medical equipment to stabilize and treat patients.
How to Call for an Ambulance
- For Medical Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
- Direct EMS Line: (284) 852-7558
Call Handling & Priority Levels
| Priority Level | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Life-threatening emergencies requiring an immediate response. | Cardiac arrest, major trauma, severe allergic reactions. |
| Priority 2 | Serious but not immediately life-threatening emergencies. | Moderate trauma, breathing difficulties, diabetic emergencies. |
| Priority 3 | Non-emergency transport and medical requests. | Pre-arranged patient transport, stable medical conditions. |
What Happens When You Call?
- The patient’s illness/injury and symptoms.
- Number of people needing assistance.
- Exact location details (road name, landmarks, house color/number).
- Your name and contact information.
Stay calm, speak clearly, and remain on the line until instructed to hang up.
How Are Calls Dispatched?
What Should You Do When You Hear an Ambulance Siren?
- Be alert and yield the right of way.
- Safely pull over and stop to allow the ambulance to pass.
Are Patients Arriving by Ambulance Seen Faster at the Hospital?
No. All patients are assessed by hospital triage staff upon arrival. The most critical cases are treated first.
Learn more about our Community Program:
Restart a Heart Initiative
“Saving Lives Through CPR & Defibrillation Training”
The Restart a Heart Initiative is our community-driven program designed to make the BVI safer by ensuring that more people are trained and equipped to respond to sudden cardiac arrests.
Why It Matters
- Most cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital. Immediate CPR and defibrillation can double or triple survival rates.
- Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 10%.
- Defibrillation within 3 – 5 minutes can increase survival rates to 50 – 70%.
Restart a Heart Initiative
BVIHSA EMS works with organizations and communities to:
- Identify Defibrillator Guardians to maintain public-access defibrillators (PADs).
- Install publicly accessible defibrillators in key locations.
- Provide free CPR & AED training, giving people the confidence to act in emergencies.
Training Topics Include:
- How to perform CPR & use an AED
- Management of severe bleeding
- First aid for medical emergencies (allergic reactions, seizures, chest pain, diabetic emergencies, etc.)
Training Topics Include:
Sponsor a defibrillator – help fund lifesaving equipment where it’s needed most.
Host a defibrillator at your organization – make your workplace a safer place.
Together, we can save lives!
For more information on the Restart a Heart Initiative or to get involved, contact BVIHSA EMS at 1 (284) 852-7558.