Lifesaving Services by EMTs Highlighted in Bermuda’s First Emergency Medical Services Week

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) are celebrating the Island’s first-ever Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Acting Minister of Health, the Hon. Michael Weeks, officially launched the campaign this morning in the lobby at KEMH, along with representatives from Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Display boards, an information table and presentation may be viewed by the public this week in the lobby at KEMH. People are encouraged to stop by, meet EMTs and learn about the services they provide. The campaign’s theme, Everyday Heroes, reflects the lifesaving work first responders perform on a daily basis for our community.

An Open House, at the Springfield Parking lot on the corner of Berry Hill and Point Finger Roads, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Thursday this week. Members of the public are invited to tour and view an ambulance, the Advance Medical Post and other emergency vehicles from the fire service and police department.

The Hon. Michael Weeks said, “Emergency Medical Services are a vital public service. Members of EMS teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. Never before have these services been more vital or relevant to our lives.”

David Hill, BHB CEO, said: “This week gives us a chance to honour the hard-working emergency providers who look after us and are ready to save our lives day in and day out. EMS team members are heroes every day, No matter what the situation, they go out into the field, triage and treat where they can, then bring people safely back to our Emergency Department. Bermuda Hospitals Board is proud to recognize these first responders for going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to care for members of the public.”

Lynnette Raynor, BHB Clinical Director of Critical Care Services, said: “Members of the public should feel confident that hospital EMTs receive the best training and update their skills regularly in order to remain current with international best practices. Twenty-seven EMTs are employed at KEMH- 13 have achieved EMT-Intermediate level and are qualified to administer medications and site intravenous access. BHB has a fleet of recently upgraded ambulances that feature the latest technology and design, while maintaining a small size to navigate Bermuda’s narrow roads. Our EMTs work closely with Emergency Department staff, as well as with fire and police team members and respond to an average of 5000 calls each year.”

Raymond Santucci, BHB Chief EMT said, “Most EMTs choose this highly demanding and stressful occupation because they want to help others in need. We are skilled, trained and experienced healthcare professionals who work closely with emergency room physicians, the fire and police service and other community partners. We are pleased to have an opportunity this week to emphasize the importance of safety and we invite members of the public to meet with us and learn how they can make our jobs easier, while keeping everyone in Bermuda safe.”

EMTs will host a series of information sessions for both healthcare professions and members of the public between 1:00pm and 2:00pm from Monday through Thursday at the Montrose Cottage class room, across from the Emergency Department. Session topics include Road Traffic Collisions, Road Safety, Gunshot Trauma and Tips on Helping EMTs.

EMTs will also visit secondary schools during morning assemblies this week and have invited primary and middle school children to visit the hospital to meet with EMTs and view emergency vehicles.

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