Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) has expanded its emergency medical services with the addition of two brand-new ambulances. The vehicles are expected to improve the reliability of emergency response services and ensure that patients in Aruba continue to receive timely and appropriate medical care.
Liberato Hoek, Head of Ambulance Operations, explained that the new ambulances are part of an ongoing fleet replacement plan. According to Hoek, an ambulance has an average service life of approximately six years, making regular replacements necessary to maintain safe and reliable emergency services.
By replacing older vehicles, ImSan aims to reduce the risk of mechanical breakdowns, avoid costly repairs, and prevent interruptions that could affect emergency medical care.
Hoek confirmed that both ambulances are brand-new Ford vehicles delivered directly from the factory. They also meet Triple K safety standards, which are intended to ensure the vehicles meet the necessary requirements for emergency medical transport.
One of the new ambulances has a lavender-colored exterior to raise awareness of all types of cancer. This follows an earlier initiative in which ImSan operated a pink ambulance to promote breast cancer awareness.
Each ambulance is staffed by a driver and a nurse, allowing medical assistance to begin while patients are being transported. ImSan is also working to strengthen its emergency response team, with six additional nurses currently undergoing training. They are expected to complete their studies by the end of November.
The introduction of the new vehicles was made possible through cooperation between ImSan and Aruba’s General Health Insurance (AZV). AZV Director Edwin Jacobs attended the official presentation, where the partnership between the two organizations was recognized as an important part of the project.
Minister of Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras also attended the presentation and congratulated ImSan, AZV, and the ambulance personnel on the achievement.
She emphasized the importance of having properly equipped ambulances that allow medical professionals to provide immediate care during emergencies. The new vehicles contain essential medical equipment, including devices for monitoring blood pressure and administering oxygen to patients who need it.
According to the minister, the project took approximately two years to complete, reflecting the planning and coordination required to introduce the new ambulances into service.
Minister Wyatt-Ras reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services throughout Aruba, with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and quality.
The addition of the two ambulances represents another step toward strengthening emergency medical care and ensuring that residents can depend on reliable assistance when they need it most.
