Panama's Unified Emergency Management System (Sume 911) received approval to purchase 24 new ambulances for a total of $3 million. These funds are intended to strengthen the transport of critical patients nationwide. The purchase includes 18 advanced life support 4x2 ambulances valued at $2.3 million and 6 4x4 ambulances for $720,000. The company MPS Latam, S.A. will be the supplier of these vehicles, which will be equipped to handle high-risk emergencies. In January, the centers with the most dispatches were Villa Olímpica (712), Atlapa (648), Pan de Azúcar (618), UTP Centennial (613), and Bique, in Arraiján (551). During that month, 3,232 patients were transported and 2,830 people received on-site attention. Additionally, 95 falls, 102 respiratory cases, 20 cardiac problems, and three drownings were recorded. 842 dispatches were also canceled and 759 people refused assistance. During the past carnival, the most frequent emergencies were fainting spells (143) and traffic accidents (142). Sume 911 currently has 31 dispatch points nationwide. On January 15 and 16, Sume 911 decommissioned seven ambulances at its facilities in Pedregal. This process adds to another one carried out in June 2025, when 38 additional ambulances were scrapped. According to a report from the Institutional Unit of Heritage Goods, more than 17,000 tons of ferrous material were collected. Advanced life support ambulances are used for patients whose condition is actually or potentially serious.
