Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 11, 2023 [Ministry of Health] – On Thursday, August 10, 2023, at approximately 9:30 pm, an emergency situation arose that tested the responsiveness and adaptability of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team. We would like to clarify the incident to ensure that the public has accurate information on the series of events that transpired.
After receiving a distress call concerning a patient in Frigate Bay, an ambulance from the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, was promptly dispatched. However, while en route and only moments away from the destination, the ambulance encountered an unforeseen technical challenge. Prioritizing the safety of the patient and the crew, the ambulance team made the quick decision to pull over for an inspection.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, the EMS base was informed immediately. Given that a second Basseterre crew was already out on another run, the decision was made to dispatch a crew from the Mary Charles Hospital in Molineux to Frigate Bay to ensure the patient received prompt care.
During this mild delay, the EMS base stayed in regular contact with individuals close to the patient. This was done to ensure the patient’s condition was constantly monitored and to guarantee that there was no deterioration in health status.
Upon arrival, the EMS crew faced not only the medical challenge before them but also the pressures of concerned onlookers. Despite this heightened environment, they worked diligently and professionally, offering essential support to the patient. The crew successfully transported the patient to JNF Hospital in the shortest possible time, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their duty.
We commend our EMS team’s dedication and professionalism, and we thank the community for their understanding and cooperation. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community remains our utmost priority. We remain dedicated to constantly reviewing and improving our emergency response protocols, learning from every situation to serve our community better.
In fact, all EMS staff recently completed an immersive learning experience designed to empower our staff to handle various emergency scenarios effectively, equipping them with the necessary tools to address critical situations with confidence.
The public is reminded to rely on official sources of information for updates on the status of our healthcare system. Any concerns or questions should be directed to the Ministry of Health, and the government encourages everyone to stay vigilant and informed.
