Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to the CEO and manager at Accident & Emergency Medical Services Limited (AEMS):
I am writing this letter as a sincere expression of my gratitude to the staff of Accident & Emergency Medical Services Ltd, acknowledging specifically two members of their team: Sasha-Kay Aldridge and Shawn Hinds.
Often we hear strong opinions being voiced by citizens and visitors to Jamaica about the not so good experiences. Crime and violence are often the subject, with discussions of poor service delivery and a general lack of professional conduct in some areas of our Jamaican society being used to brand us as a people. Even when great accomplishments are unfolding in our midst they tend to be downplayed.
I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with emergency medical technicians at AEMS.
During my last visit to Jamaica with my family, my father who accompanied us fell gravely ill and I had to take him to the nearest hospital which was Medical Associates. After registering him and having several tests performed, as well as being grilled to provide his medical and personal history, it was quickly determined that it would be necessary to have him transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) for the critical medical attention needed.
At this point I transitioned from emergency mode to full panic status. A voice said to me: "Do not worry, we will call them and they will arrive quickly." In my mind I was prepared to take him myself if help did not arrive within one hour.
Before I returned to the treatment area where my father lay, the AEMS team was already at the door enquiring about the patient for transport and actively gathering the necessary medical information for the transfer.
Both persons were very professional and immediately gave me a sense of comfort and assurance that he would be in good hands while they enquired on how I would be getting to the hospital, and if assistance was needed with directions to our destination.
The team transferred him to the ambulance while I wondered what the next few minutes would reveal in an uncertain future. I quickly got into my rental car and found what I thought was the fastest route to UHWI and did not see the ambulance during my journey.
Upon my arrival at UHWI, the AEMS team was already inside and I watched what could only be described as a seamless transfer of critical medical information in a well-choreographed dance.
Work continued in the full medical assessment and treatment, with ultimately the doctors guiding his condition and care.
The medical staff of UHWI stabilised and saved my father from what could have been fatal.
I had to leave my father behind and was confident that he was in the right place.I have since returned to the island to accompany my father on his return to South Florida, where his condition will be managed allowing him to establish a continuum of care for his adjusted lifestyle.
I am forever grateful to the team for the professional way they did their jobs.
Hugh Patrick Brown
Pembroke Pines
Florida
AEMS is part of what's still good in Ja
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This is an open letter to the CEO and manager at Accident & Emergency Medical Services Limited (AEMS):
I am writing this letter as a sincere expression of my gratitude to the staff of Accident & Emergency Medical Services Ltd, acknowledging specifically two members of their team: Sasha-Kay Aldridge and Shawn Hinds.
Often we hear strong opinions being voiced by citizens and visitors to Jamaica about the not so good experiences. Crime and violence are often the subject, with discussions of poor service delivery and a general lack of professional conduct in some areas of our Jamaican society being used to brand us as a people. Even when great accomplishments are unfolding in our midst they tend to be downplayed.
I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with emergency medical technicians at AEMS.
During my last visit to Jamaica with my family, my father who accompanied us fell gravely ill and I had to take him to the nearest hospital which was Medical Associates. After registering him and having several tests performed, as well as being grilled to provide his medical and personal history, it was quickly determined that it would be necessary to have him transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) for the critical medical attention needed.
At this point I transitioned from emergency mode to full panic status. A voice said to me: "Do not worry, we will call them and they will arrive quickly." In my mind I was prepared to take him myself if help did not arrive within one hour.
Before I returned to the treatment area where my father lay, the AEMS team was already at the door enquiring about the patient for transport and actively gathering the necessary medical information for the transfer.
Both persons were very professional and immediately gave me a sense of comfort and assurance that he would be in good hands while they enquired on how I would be getting to the hospital, and if assistance was needed with directions to our destination.
The team transferred him to the ambulance while I wondered what the next few minutes would reveal in an uncertain future. I quickly got into my rental car and found what I thought was the fastest route to UHWI and did not see the ambulance during my journey.
Upon my arrival at UHWI, the AEMS team was already inside and I watched what could only be described as a seamless transfer of critical medical information in a well-choreographed dance.
Work continued in the full medical assessment and treatment, with ultimately the doctors guiding his condition and care.
The medical staff of UHWI stabilised and saved my father from what could have been fatal.
I had to leave my father behind and was confident that he was in the right place.I have since returned to the island to accompany my father on his return to South Florida, where his condition will be managed allowing him to establish a continuum of care for his adjusted lifestyle.
I am forever grateful to the team for the professional way they did their jobs.
Hugh Patrick Brown
Pembroke Pines
Florida
AEMS is part of what's still good in Ja
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