Ambulance crews in Guyana would have to meet new qualification requirements and vehicles carry specified medical equipment under proposed legislation aimed at improving the care patients receive before reaching hospital.

The Emergency Medical Services Bill would establish an authority to license public and private ambulance providers and set standards for vehicle design, onboard equipment and crew qualifications.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall outlined the proposed changes on his programme Issues in the News on Tuesday. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony is expected to table the bill in the National Assembly today.

The requirements would cover ambulances operated by the Guyana Fire Service, those serving public health facilities and vehicles operated by private hospitals and ambulance providers.

The proposed legislation comes as the government looks to strengthen emergency medical response, including the capacity of crews to treat patients while transporting them to hospital.

Earlier this year, Anthony outlined plans for ambulances with sufficient headroom to allow emergency medical technicians to stand and attend to patients during transport. He also spoke of training EMTs to respond to emergencies involving trauma, heart attacks and strokes.

Guyana currently has a mix of public and private ambulance services. The Fire Service deploys EMTs in response to emergency calls, while private operators include New Vision Ambulance Service, which works in collaboration with St Joseph Mercy Hospital, and Archangel Ambulance Service.

The demands on these crews can extend beyond transporting patients with life-threatening conditions. On October 26, Fire Service EMTs Carlona Grahame, Deka Griffith and Stacia McLeod helped deliver a baby at a home after responding to an emergency call.

In August, the Fire Service reported that its EMTs had assisted with nine births in ambulances while transporting expectant mothers to hospital in 2026.