Letter To The Editor: The State Of EMS Response

BY DAREN BURRIER
GFD Fire Chief

When I assumed the Acting Fire Chief position, there were four available ambulances. Today, there are six, with more to come online by the end of this week.

While we have made progress in returning our response fleet to eight ambulances, there have been ongoing challenges due to aging fleets that require more frequent repairs, a shortage of ambulances available for purchase, and issues with procurement. Nonetheless, we are continuously addressing the issue and working on solutions to maintain a ready response.

GFD’s efforts to restore more of its ambulances to operation are as follows:
● GFD has increased the number of responding ambulances from four to six. Six ambulances are enough to meet the island's needs, and eight are ideal.
● Two ambulances are under repair, one for strut replacement and one for transmission.
● When a responsive fleet is limited due to high demand or units are out of service for maintenance, a mutual aid agreement with the Department of Defense is in place.
● First-responding units, such as rescue, engine company, and Advanced Life Support (ALS), provide treatment at the scene. These units can initiate lifesaving procedures, lessening the time an ambulance spends on the scene when it arrives.
● E911 Dispatchers trained in Medical Dispatching triage calls to direct units to the most critical need.
● Four new ambulances have been procured and will be delivered later this year, bringing the total number of ambulances to twelve.
● Once new ambulances arrive, more will be ordered.

At GFD, our mission is clear: to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, delivering lifesaving medical services to individuals experiencing sudden illness or injury. Whether providing treatment at the scene or ensuring continued care during transport to the hospital, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

This commitment has been reinforced by the strong support of Governor Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Tenorio, whose leadership has prioritized public safety by facilitating the procurement of new ambulances. These critical additions enhance our ability to respond to emergencies and save lives.

We also appreciate the collaborative guidance of our Oversight Chair, Senator Shawn Gumataotao, whose suggestions will help us advance our mission. I look forward to working closely with him to continue strengthening our services.

Throughout my years with the Guam Fire Department, I have learned that the key to navigating any emergency is to act—not react. Maintaining a clear mind and making deliberate decisions, even in high-pressure situations, is paramount. 

The phrase “cool heads prevail” resonates deeply with our profession, as decisions made in haste can lead to unintended consequences. This principle is a personal mantra, and a mindset instilled in every firefighter, guiding us to serve our island community with the focus, dedication, and composure it deserves.