Sicily's 118 emergency service faces staffing and fleet renewal debate

Regional Lega deputy Vincenzo Figuccia warned that moving SEUS operators from hospitals to the 118 emergency service would create a new problem rather than solve the existing staff shortage. He urged the regional government to remove hiring restrictions and launch an extraordinary recruitment plan for emergency‑urgency personnel, saying the solution must not weaken hospital services.

National deputy Luca Cannata of Fratelli d’Italia announced that Sicily is renewing its 118 ambulance fleet with 88 new vehicles, including six assigned to Siracusa province. He highlighted the modern technology of the ambulances and called for a derogation to the hiring block so that the new fleet can be fully staffed, linking equipment upgrades with the need for more qualified emergency personnel.