Clara Brugada Delivers 25 New Ambulances to ERUM for Enhanced Emergency Care in CDMX
The Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, recently announced the delivery of 25 fully equipped ambulances to the Rescue and Medical Emergencies Squadron (ERUM), with an investment exceeding 98 million pesos. This initiative aims to strengthen and decentralize prehospital care throughout the capital city.
Modern and Compliant Ambulances
The event took place on 20 de Noviembre Avenue in the Historic Center of Mexico City. During her address, Brugada emphasized that the new ambulances meet official and international safety standards, including NOM-0034-SSA3-2013. Each ambulance is equipped with essential medical equipment, such as:
- Defibrillators
- Oxygen tanks
- Suction devices
- Equipment for minor surgeries and childbirth support
- Tools for comprehensive diagnosis and advanced airway management
Brugada firmly stated, “Receiving timely and adequate medical care is a human right that should not depend on money,” highlighting that ambulance services in the city will continue to be free for all residents.
Acknowledgment of ERUM’s Efforts
Brugada recognized the heroic efforts of ERUM, which comprises over 700 medical specialists. During her administration, this squadron has managed to deliver nearly 150,000 emergency responses in just the first year. Brugada also noted that in 2024, the squadron will renew its accreditation as a specialized team in search and rescue operations under the National Coordination of Civil Protection.
Future Plans
This delivery marks only the first stage of ongoing improvements. Brugada announced plans to present a budget to expand the vehicle fleet in the upcoming year. Additionally, there are plans for acquiring motorcycle ambulances, aimed at reducing emergency response times by 10 to 15 minutes.
In a further commitment to enhancing emergency response, she has requested the Secretary of Citizen Security, Pablo Vázquez, to explore the feasibility of providing helicopter services for medical emergencies, especially in the geographically challenging area of Milpa Alta.
Moving Forward: The Role of ERUM
Pablo Vázquez highlighted that ERUM handles over 70% of emergencies within the capital, staffed by highly trained professionals adept in urban, vertical, and underwater rescue operations. In the current year, the squadron reported over 150,000 emergency services, benefiting approximately 40,000 individuals both inside and outside the capital.
ERUM’s contributions have been significant during various high-impact events, including the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, the San Juan Ixhuatepec explosions, and other natural disasters, demonstrating its crucial role in Mexico City’s emergency response framework.
Integration with Public Health Systems
The capital’s Minister of Health, Nadine Gasman Zylbermann, stated that the inclusion of these new ambulances bolsters public health initiatives. The ambulances will enhance pre-hospital care, operational capacity, and inter-institutional coordination. The integrated emergency management system involving ERUM, CRUM, Red Cross, and Civil Defense allows for real-time monitoring and significantly improves coverage efficiency.
Conclusion
The recent delivery of 25 ambulances by Clara Brugada signifies a robust commitment to improving emergency medical services in CDMX. Each unit not only represents an investment in infrastructure but also symbolizes a dedication to protecting lives throughout the city. As plans for further enhancements unfold, the citizens of Mexico City can look forward to faster and more efficient emergency care.