The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda has donated two new ambulances to the Bermuda Hospitals Board bringing the total number of BHB ambulances to seven.

The two new Ford Transit vehicles worth a total of $197,600 are slightly larger than BHB’s previous models and were made in the United States. While all the features of the BHB ambulances currently in use have been retained, they have been configured differently in the new vehicles and they have a larger working area in the patient cabin section. New features include an electronic oxygen monitoring system, temperature controlled patient cabin and a call button system in the cabin to communicate with the driver. Public feedback revealed that it is often difficult to hear the sirens so the speakers on the new ambulances have been placed on the exterior.

“We have needed new ambulances for some time and are grateful to the HAB for this generous gift,” said BHB CEO Venetta Symonds.

“I applaud their efforts on behalf of BHB and also on behalf of the entire Bermuda community. I acknowledge too that the HAB donated the two ambulances we received in 2014. Every year they support us by agreeing to fund much needed equipment and providing volunteers.”

HAB president Sharon Vesey added: “The HAB is proud to be able to serve our community by providing funding for lifesaving equipment for our only hospital.

“We recognise that demand is increasing for ambulance service and appreciate the challenges of maintaining these vehicles that are on our roads all day, every day.”

The HAB raises funds for BHB through its three business enterprises, The Barn, The Pink Cafe and The Gift Shop. It also receives donations and annual membership dues from members. HAB volunteers work throughout many areas in the hospital including on the information desk, in the lending library, assisting patients with their menu selections on the wards as well as in the fracture clinic, pharmacy and chapel services.

In addition to their adult volunteers, there are also 99 junior members of the HAB, known as candy stripers. These students enter the programme at 14 and commit to a minimum of two years, with the majority remaining in the programme for four years. These students are trained in all areas that the adults work in, as well as additional areas in the hospital such as dialysis, lab, surgical admin, laundry, ICU and sterile processing. On average, 36,500 hours of service are donated to the hospital every year by HAB adult and junior members.