Letter to the Editor
To Whom it May Concern
I want to begin by clarifying that this letter is not intended to bash any department, ministry, government, or public service. Rather, as a concerned citizen, I wish to bring attention to an urgent matter regarding the inadequacy of the sirens installed on emergency response vehicles (EMVs) throughout our island.
Recently, I had a close call with an ambulance that was responding to an emergency. Despite having no distractions in my vehicle—no loud music, and with the air conditioner running quietly—I did not hear the ambulance until it was nearly upon me.
This situation is not just a personal anecdote; it represents a significant danger to both emergency personnel and the individuals they are trying to assist. Such occurrences are entirely unacceptable and pose a serious threat of injury or death.
In the past, sirens were easily audible from a considerable distance, allowing drivers to react in time and make way for emergency vehicles. It is essential that we restore this capability to ensure that all road users are aware of approaching EMVs.
The current sirens simply do not meet the necessary standards, and this issue must be addressed as a priority.
I understand that EMV operators are under immense pressure to respond quickly to emergencies. However, navigating our treacherous roadways at high speeds becomes increasingly dangerous when other road users are unaware of their presence until it is almost too late. This gap in awareness can have dire consequences for everyone involved.
I implore the relevant authorities to take action by consulting with our law enforcement and medical first responder partners in the United States to source more effective sirens.
The investment of a few thousand dollars for upgraded sirens could save countless lives, and we have a wealth of skilled technicians in Antigua and Barbuda who can install them quickly once sourced.
Let us not wait until a tragedy forces us to reconsider our options. I urge you to prioritize this issue for the safety of our community and the well-being of those who rely on timely emergency services.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and the necessary steps to rectify this situation.
Sincerely,Concerned Citizen
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This has happened to me also. Resulting in last minute swerving to avoid the Ambulance. It is dangerous, especially on our deplorable public roads.
Wow….I am happy that someone is bringing this to the forefront. I have had the same experience so many times. Thank you. I second this recommendation.
Since we are on this topic. There is also a serious issue I have personally experienced. Ever so often I would see that police vehicles are driving with excessive speed when the traffic is backed up heading to the airport side or to town area, only to know they are going or coming from police headquarters, I would ask myself were is the emergency in that. Sometimes. I believe that the drivers of police vehicles are taking advantage of their powers using it for personal favors etc. listen I could be wrong. Maybe I need to do some investigative journalism to find out if this is correct. I do applaud our security forces for their hard work. Thank you. However, if they are using their sirens and powers for personal favors etc reasons or because they want to avoid traffic or late for work. Please do not abuse the system. Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful day.
This letter was well needed. You don’t hear them untill the are next to you. I always have to be looking in my mirror to see if they are behind me. Since that happened.
I agree one million per cent. It is another national disgrace. I also nearly got cleaned up by an ambulance that I did not hear. At the last minute I picked up the flashing lights in my rear view mirror.
FAINTLY HEARD SIREN? OR …EXTREMELY POOR OBSERVATORY AND MOTORING SKILLS?
That which appears evident in the second paragraph speaks to:
(i) ‘…Faintly heard EMV SIREN: and undoubtedly compounded by
(ii) …Extremely Poor ‘…Observatory and Motoring Skills.’
PUBLIC/ROAD SAFETY DANGERS
Clearly, the latter speaks to ‘…Public/Road Safety Dangers.’
HELPFUL SAFETY TIPS: USE OF MIRRORS
Until the ‘…EMV’s’ are so equipped, a ‘…HELPFUL SAFETY TIP’ is the use of these ‘…MIRRORS:
(a) ‘…The ‘…WING MIRRORS.’
These are installed/affixed ‘…EXTERNALLY to the ‘…Right/Left Front Doors: and
(b) …The ‘…REAR VIEW MIRROR.’
This is installed/affixed ‘…INTERNALLY’ head-high, and centrally between the ‘…SUN/GLARE’ front seat Passenger/Driver ‘…VISORS.’
SIREN AND MIRRORS’
Though a ‘SIREN’ may not be readily heard, the use of these ‘…MIRRORS’ guide the motorist’s knowledge of the presence of an ‘…Emergency Motor Vehicle’ on the roadway, whether approaching from the ‘…FRONT or REAR.’
THE EMERGENCY VEHICLES
(i) ‘…The Ambulance Services:
(ii) …Fire Service: and
(iii) …Police Service.’
EXTENDED COURTESIES (SECURITY REASONS)
(a) ‘…The Governor General: and
(b) …Prime Minister.’
ILLEGAL AND ABUSE
All other uses are either:
(i) ‘…ILLEGAL: OR
(ii) …ABUSE WITH IMPUNITY.’
EXAMPLES
(i) ‘…FUNERAL ESCORTS:
(ii) …CRICKET TEAM ESCORTS: and
(iii) …CUSTOM’S REVENUE ESCORTS.’
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
From ‘…Professional Knowledge, ‘NONE’ of these was ever in need of ‘…EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.’
NONE WAS EVER RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL OR OTHER MEDICAL FACILITIES.
NOW-A-DAYS, ANY DARN THING GOES.
STILL, MOTORISTS SHALL AVOID ‘…LEGAL ENTANGLEMENTS.’
DRIVE GOOD.
LOCATION: HEAD OF DRIVING CLASS
Congratulations to ‘…LOCATION.’
She/he, has found her or himself at the ‘…Head of the Driving Class.’
You lead and others will follow.
SAFE DRIVING.
This letter is so timely. I also had a close encounter with an ambulance just the other day. I really hope that someone from the EMS sees and read this article and does something before it is too late. And I believe it is mainly the new small vans that they are operating.
Please do something urrgently