What We Do
The core function of the Special Services Unit is to offer Emergency Medical Services for:
- Visiting dignitaries and other diplomats as well as the local population
- State and Official Funerals
- Charity Events
- Sporting events
The Ministry of Health provides coverage at the Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support level in keeping with international health standards.
The Unit is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the Public Health standards consistent with the Jamaica Public Health Act and Regulations in the following areas:
- Food Safety
- Vector Control
- Water Quality
- Waste Management Monitoring
- Surveillance Systems – routine / special
Inspection and monitoring visits are conducted at all properties being utilized prior to and on site during all events.
Getting Medical Coverage
To obtain medical coverage for an event, the organizer is required to submit one (1) month in advance of the event an application to the Ministry of Health requesting the service with the following information:
- Name of the Event
- Date of event
- Location of event
- Start and end time
- Amount of persons expected to attend event and where participants are involved total amount expected to participate
Upon receipt of the application a response will be provided indicating the Ministry’s ability or inability to honour the request. If coverage is to be provided by the Ministry of Health, a budget will be prepared and forwarded to the organizer for the payment of medical staff, accommodation (if necessary) and miscellaneous fees. .
Continuous dialogue will be made with the organizer for further planning to include but not limited to: accreditation details, staff and patron welfare and other requirements for the establishment of a medical post.
If the Ministry is unable to provide coverage the organizer will be so advised and alternate coverage by a private company sought. It should be noted that the private company desirous of providing coverage must submit a proposal detailing: staffing, medical equipment and sundries and status of ambulance(s) to the Ministry of Health for approval prior to the event.
Staffing for an Event
The requisite staffing and level of coverage for an event is determined by the Ministry of Health in accordance to the level of attendees and the number of persons expected to be in attendance. Medical coverage at a Basic Life Support level includes registered nurses, emergency medical technicians and an ambulance. Whilst medical coverage at an Advanced Cardiovascular level includes doctors, registered nurses, emergency medical technicians and ambulance(s).
Medical Coverage Approval
ALL public gatherings are required to have medical coverage on location. The Unit is responsible for granting of approval to private entities wishing to offer medical coverage at these events. The companies MUST submit a detailed proposal to the Ministry. The submission MUST include:
- A medical plan
- Categories and numbers of staff
- Equipment and sundries to be provided
- Name, date, duration and location of the Event
Upon receipt and review of the documents the Medical Coverage Approval will be given.