Six new rapid response vehicles have been introduced at Mater Dei Hospital, significantly strengthening Malta's pre-hospital emergency care services, Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced.

The minister said the addition of the six vehicles more than doubles the rapid response service and comes in response to a sustained increase in demand for emergency medical assistance. During the past year, the 112 Ambulance Service responded to more than 56,500 emergency situations, the highest figure ever recorded. This represents a 12% increase compared to the previous year, underlining what the minister described as the critical importance of continued investment in pre-hospital emergency care.

Abela explained that the new vehicles have been added to the existing fleet, bringing the total number of rapid response units to 11. These vehicles are designed to allow medical teams to reach patients more quickly, particularly in life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest and severe trauma.

"Early and advanced intervention improves patient outcomes and ensures that patients are transported to the Emergency Department in the best possible condition," Dr Abela said.

In addition to expanding the fleet, the minister announced that the number of consultants specialising in pre-hospital care has also been doubled. He stressed that the new vehicles will be used by trained staff to deliver timely, life-saving interventions.

"Our staff will make use of these vehicles to save lives. We remain committed to continuing to expand, improve and introduce standards of excellence in emergency care," Abela said.

The investment forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Malta's emergency healthcare infrastructure amid rising demand on frontline services.