West Pokot County has acquired two new ambulances which will boost response to emergency cases within the county.
The new advanced life support ambulances were flagged off at area Governor John Lonyangapuo’s residence in Kapenguria in a ceremony attended by county health staff and a few members of the public.
The ambulances have a patient monitor that indicates the temperature and heart beat automatically besides being equipped with airway support equipment, cardiac life support, cardiac monitors as well as a glucose testing device.
Lonyangapuo said that it was the first time for the county to acquire such an ambulance as they have been using the basic life support ambulance whose aim is to offer initial healthcare to the patient.
“The new ambulances are of great benefit to our people because they will facilitate proper healthcare to patients. In case any patient is referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret or any other Hospital outside the county, they will be attended to more safely,” stated the governor.
He urged the drivers to take good care of government vehicles noting that in the recent past, the county has experienced an upsurge in vehicle maintenance costs arising from reckless driving.
“I therefore direct the County Executive Committee Member for Health to do a reshuffle of all drivers within the shortest time possible,” he announced.
CEC for Health and Sanitation Ms. Christine Apokoreng exuded confidence that with the calibre of ambulances on board, the safety of residents is assured.
“With this type of ambulances, at least one qualified paramedic and a professional emergency medical technician will be available,” Apokoreng said.
She added that the clinicians would provide a higher level of medical supervision for sick or injured persons who may require some interventions on the way to their destinations in a stable condition.
By Robert Kiprop and Richard Muhambe
