The Association of Volunteers in Emergencies and Rescues of Lanzarote (EMERLAN) has warned of the critical situation facing the emergency ambulance service in the municipality of Tinajo, whose continuity is at serious risk of suspension due to the lack of institutional support and the breach of commitments by the City Council.
Since 2006, EMERLAN has guaranteed urgent health coverage in Tinajo through a collaboration agreement with the municipal corporation. However, this agreement has never covered all expenses, which has forced the organization to assume, with its own resources, a large part of the cost of the service. Throughout these years, EMERLAN has contributed nearly 700,000 euros to sustain this resource considered vital for the population.
Currently, the annual cost of the service amounts to 118,101 euros, of which the Tinajo City Council only contributes 34,800. The rest, practically triple, is financed by EMERLAN with an effort that the association describes as "unsustainable."
In addition to this economic burden, there is the breach of commitments included in the agreement itself, such as the supply of fuel for the ambulance, which has not been fulfilled since 2023. They also denounce the precarious conditions of the current guard post, which further aggravates the situation.
The association recalls that the emergency ambulance service in Tinajo is essential, as it guarantees health care at night —from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.— 365 days a year. If it were to disappear, emergencies would have to be attended to from Arrecife or Tías, which would mean a significant increase in response times and an obvious risk to the safety of the population.
EMERLAN has expressed its willingness to dialogue with the City Council and find a balanced solution that guarantees the continuity of the service, provided that the commitments made by both parties are respected.