Islands’ ambulance bosses attend ‘essential’ forum
AMBULANCE heads from Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Gibraltar came together in the Bailiwick for the annual Islands Ambulance Service Forum.
The two-day event was led by Mark Mapp, CEO of Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey, which operates the ambulance service in Guernsey and Alderney.
He said that he considered the forum to be a ‘resounding success’ with good attendance from various stakeholders.
‘It is crucial to discuss shared challenges, potential opportunities and pressing issues across the islands’ ambulance services,’ he said.
‘This annual face-to-face meeting was essential in reinforcing the collaborative spirit across the islands.
‘We all left the forum equipped with new insights, strategies and a renewed commitment to addressing the unique and shared challenges faced by ambulance services across the British islands.’
One challenge highlighted during the trip was providing a service in a small, remote community, such as Sark, whose ambulance service is purely volunteer based and uses a tractor-drawn ambulance trailer.
The contingent had a tour of the marine ambulance, Flying Christine III, showcasing the diverse nature of a medical emergency across the Bailiwick.
‘Despite each island having unique characteristics, the forum underscores the commonalities and challenges, fostering collaborative discussions and collective strategic thinking,’ said Mr Mapp.
The Islands Ambulance Service Forum is a platform for collaboration and learning by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.
It meets in virtual format year-round and face-to-face every year.
