Emergency Medical Service should be ready to work at any crisis situation - Mengelsone

RIGA - The Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) should be ready to work at any crisis and emergency situation, said Health Minister Liga Mengelsone after her meeting with NMPD administration and medics.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the service's work during emergency situation and the necessary systemic solutions, and the service's strategic development.

Mengelsone underscored that the service plays a significant role not only in the health care system, but the national security system.

"The work of these people should not be interrupted for a moment - they should be able to react and save lives 24 hours a day, and they should be ready to work also at any crisis and emergency situation," she said.

Mengelsone commended the services work and the way it fulfills several unique functions on the national level. At the same time, there are a number of issues that should be solved together - attraction of human resources, employee motivation, operations of consultative hotline. There are new challenges also in relation to the geopolitical situation, said Mengelsone.

The minister also visited NMPD call center that receives around 2,000 calls a day, coordinates NMPD brigades and transportation of patients to hospitals.