THE EDITOR, Sir:
RECENTLY, I, like so many of my fellow Jamaicans, lost some friends and neighbours in a motor vehicle accident. In my particular situation it was a neighbour who actually died on the way to the hospital.
In reflecting on this tragic accident, it occurred to me that in most cases of this nature, the victims are transported to the hospitals by 'Good Samaritans' passing the scene of accidents and simply offering to help. These persons, as well as those who often help to place the victims in the vehicles, are mostly untrained in the handling of the injuries sustained.
This situation begs the question - how many victims may have died as a result of additional trauma sustained from the unskilled handling they received intransit to the hospital? How many 'Good Samaritans' have unwittingly contributed to or caused the death of accident victims over the years? I must admit that this a sobering thought and, therefore, a situation that is urgently in need of a solution.
Admittedly, Jamaica would probably not be able to afford any of the high-cost solutions often portrayed on television as happening in the developed world. However, I believe a solution could be realised through a programme that involves a special accident response team within the police force. The members of this team would be part of the regular police force but would have received specialised training and certification as emergency medical response personnel (paramedics). Their role, as first responders on the scenes of accidents, would be to oversee the safe transfer of the surviving victims from the scenes of accidents to the hospitals. They would also ensure that life-saving first aid is administered as needed until the victim is transferred into the care of doctors and nurses.
For this to work effectively on a full-time basis, each designated police station, particularly those along major highways, would need a staff complement of at least four, one for each of the three shifts and a relief for events such as when a member of the team goes on leave. In addition, each station would need to be equipped with portable accident response kits adequately stocked with lifesaving gear and medical supplies. It would also help if the police vehicles could be retrofitted on the fly to better transport the victims (a fold out back seat - for instance).
I am, etc.,
DONOVAN SMITH
dvsmith@cwjamaica.com
2a Washington Blvd
Kingston 20
Via Go-Jamaica
