Italian regional emergency medical service expansions

Italian regional authorities are taking steps to address staffing shortages and optimize emergency medical services. In Sicily, the SEUS 118 service initiated a recruitment drive for 340 ambulance drivers, with initial hiring scheduled for late 2026. Simultaneously, the ASL Roma 6 health authority in Lazio opened competitions for medical directors and emergency-medicine doctors to bolster surgical and emergency staff.

Further organizational changes have been implemented in Abruzzo and Umbria. Abruzzo approved a restructuring of its 118 emergency system, establishing 111 stations with varying levels of medical and nursing coverage to optimize resource allocation. In Umbria, efforts to reinforce the emergency network include transitioning the Ferentillo station to 24-hour coverage to improve response times in inland areas.

Expanding on these regional developments, the Umbria regional government has launched a public participation phase to determine the location of the new Santa Maria di Terni Hospital. Following the presentation of feasibility documents, three potential sites—Sabbione, Campitello, and the Colle Obito area—have been identified for debate. The administration is appointing coordinators to ensure the process provides a transparent comparison of construction alternatives.

In Abruzzo, the reorganization of the 118 emergency medical system continues with plans to increase the number of ambulances and extend operational hours. This includes adding nursing ambulances and 24-hour medical vehicles in locations such as L'Aquila, Avezzano, and Castel di Sangro to improve service levels.