Government expands 911 system coverage with start of operations in Pedernales

Pedernales, DR—The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, spearheaded the implementation of the 911 National Emergency and Security Response System in the province of Pedernales, to ensure medical assistance, citizen safety, and provide a timely and effective response to any emergency in the area.

Paliza emphasized that “today we are implementing a system that brings together more than 30 Government institutions around one essential purpose: saving lives. Over these five years, 911 has embarked on a path of consolidation that has led it to a presence across much of the country, and today it is established in Pedernales, not only due to its tourism development, but also due to the quality of its residents.”

“Starting today, the people of Pedernales and its visitors will have permanent outpatient care and the support of the institutions that make up the 911 System. At the most crucial moment, when our lives are at risk, they will find the support of the State and the Government here to respond in a coordinated manner,” he added.

For his part, Randolfo Rijo Gómez, executive director of the 911 System, emphasized: “With the start of operations in Pedernales, the reach of the 911 System in the Dominican Republic extends to 26 provinces, expanding its coverage to 93% of the population. This means that more than 9.4 million citizens now have access to this essential emergency response service.”

“From now on, Pedernales has ambulances, fire trucks, vans, and highly trained personnel to provide timely assistance, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. This effort translates into peace of mind for families, confidence for communities, and improved conditions for the province’s development. We urge you to preserve this free service, which will benefit the entire community, by making proper use of it,” Rijo Gómez stated.

The 911 System is the coordinating body for response institutions such as the Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services (DAEH), the National Police, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (DIGESETT), and the fire departments, which, along with 25 liaison agencies, will provide timely assistance to the community as well as to the tourism sector, whose potential in the southern region is beginning to develop.

Pedernales Governor Edirda De Óleo stated, “Pedernales exists. How can we not thank our President, Luis Abinader for all the effort he has put into our province? We are beyond grateful to our president and the great government team he leads.”

Juan Manuel Méndez García, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and the DAEH, stated, “We prepared a facility that meets all established standards, and today we have thirteen new and equipped ambulances, staffed mostly by Pedernales personnel. That’s twelve people per ambulance to cover shifts and days off, which means men and women committed to preserving lives in this province.”