Emergency Medical Services Department Introduces NAEMT-Certified Coursed to Promote Safety and Risk Reduction

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 5 August 2025 — The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the introduction of two internationally accredited training courses: EMS Safety and Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO). The Emergency Training Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (ETITT) has recently delivered these programs, certified by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), to the EMS Department.

This landmark initiative marks the first time NAEMT courses are being delivered in the Turks and Caicos Islands, representing a significant step forward in the professional development of the nation’s EMS personnel. The courses are tailored to foster a strong culture of safety within the EMS Department, focusing on risk mitigation, situational awareness, and defensive driving techniques for emergency responders.

The EMS Safety course addresses the many hazards faced by prehospital professionals ranging from vehicle crashes and patient violence to lifting injuries and exposure to infectious diseases. CEVO, a globally respected training program, enhances emergency vehicle operators’ driving skills, promoting responsible and defensive driving behaviors in high-pressure situations.

Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, stated:

“These programs are critical to the evolution of emergency medical care in the Turks and Caicos Islands. By investing in internationally recognized safety training, we not only protect our personnel and the public, but we also safeguard the Government’s recent investments in emergency vehicles and infrastructure. It is a strategic move towards sustainability, professionalism, and excellence in patient care.”

This initiative underscores the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ ongoing commitment to strengthening prehospital emergency care across the Islands, aligning with global best practices to ensure that every patient encounter is managed with the highest standard of safety and care.

“The Honourable Minister of Health and Human Services, Kyle Knowles, affirmed that the introduction of the NAEMT EMS Safety and Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator courses into the Turks and Caicos Islands Emergency Medical Services system represents a critical advancement. These internationally accredited programs will reinforce a culture of safety, mitigate operational risks, and support the continued development and professionalism of EMS personnel across the nation. This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen and modernize emergency medical services throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

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