Four of 15 ambulances are currently operational

From the tedious procurement process to awaiting parts from off-island, it's a struggle that many government agencies like the Guam Fire Department experience.

With currently only four ambulances on the island roadways, the Fire Chief reassures the public that a plan is in place to include a mutual aid agreement with federal fire emergency services.

“We've already set up a response tier system. We have our first responders just as a reminder, every single firefighter is EMT certified and every response unit whether it's a fire truck or ambulance, auxiliary unit, or a squad unit, even our prevention personnel all carry the necessary tools to respond at a first responder level at a minimum,” said acting Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas. 

San Nicolas responded to concerns that have been raised about GFD having only four operational ambulances on the roads.

With a fleet of 15 ambulances, the remaining are currently out of commission awaiting repairs and parts from off-island. The four are stationed at Astumbo, Yigo, Piti and Talo’fo’fo’.

“As we get the fleet up and running, others go down. Our vehicles number one, are huge vehicles and expensive. Two, they go through a lot of wear and tear. They're very busy,” San Nicolas added. 

According to San Nicolas, GFD averages about 20,000 calls a year. Some ambulances will average twelve runs a shift. They do run hard and as expected, the units will unfortunately break down.

“The challenge is that a lot of these units are custom made with custom parts and none of our vendors keep these parts on the shelves. we can't just go to a parts store and get something off the shelf. It requires special ordering,” he said. 

It's a hassle within itself especially when talking about timelines. San Nicolas made it clear, it's not for the lack of money or the lack of will to get the units up and running.

“Its procurement..it's a beast. And when we do get a purchase order cut, it's more time to get these parts in,” he added. 

He said  it's a constant struggle but it's one that other government agencies know all too well and experience too but the general services agency is working to support and meet the demands of GovGuam. San Nicolas added that they have been able to maintain response standards. 

It's worth noting that GFD also has a mutual aid partnership agreement with federal partners in place and should they need any help with transport.or response, federal firefighters will assist.