The Minister of National Security has hit back at “reckless and unfounded claims” that lives are being put at risk because of cutbacks in ambulance services.

Michael Weeks spoke out in response to allegations made last week by the One Bermuda Alliance.

Michael Dunkley, the Shadow Minister of National Security, had said that ambulance services were being compromised because firefighter crews — which provide support for ambulances — had to be concentrated at the LF Wade International Airport at peak times.

According to Mr Dunkley, between 4pm and 8am ambulances can be dispatched only from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, resulting in longer response times to emergencies taking place in the East End and West End. He blamed the shortfall on a lack of funding.

In a statement last night, Mr Weeks did not address that allegation specifically.

But he pointed out that firefighter crews needed to be stationed at the airport at certain times in order for Bermuda to comply with international airport safety standards.

Mr Weeks said: “Response times are still within optimal expectations, and the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service maintains very high standards of response, as well as providing excellent triage attention to medical emergencies.

“We are ensuring that the BFRS has the necessary resources to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently. The Government recruited ten local firefighters earlier this year to bolster the BFRS ranks, and there are plans for additional recruitment.

“The Government has taken proactive measures to address any potential gaps in service and ensure that our emergency response capabilities are not compromised.

“The safety of all residents of Bermuda is our priority and the women and men of the BFRS show an unwavering commitment to that mission 24 hours a day, and every day of the year.”

Firefighters first raised the alarm over staff shortages more than a year ago.

In April 2022, they claimed that East End residents were having to go without emergency coverage because of airport commitments.

Over the next five months, the Government drafted in 35 Canadian firefighters to plug the manpower gap at a cost of more than $2.8 million.

But it is understood those contracts expired in March of this year. And in that month’s Budget, the Government allocated further resources to the airport, fuelling speculation among BFRS staff that fire stations in the East End and West End would have to be shut.

Last night, a government spokesman said: “It is important to note that an audit of Bermuda's airport fire service revealed that to maintain its Category 9 rating and keep the airport open to all commercial flights serving Bermuda, 15 firefighters were needed on duty at all times at the airport.

“A functioning airport plays a crucial role in Bermuda's economic sustainability, growth and international connectivity. In spite of this mandated reallocation of resources to the airport, the ministry and the BFRS have worked together to still carry out its mandate to provide fire and rescues services to this community.”