TARPUM BAY, Eleuthera — It is important for everyone to know how to perform First Aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to stabilise individuals who have suffered an illness or are injured in a motor vehicle accident, Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said at the recent South Eleuthera re-commissioning of an ambulance to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Minnis applauded the residents of South Eleuthera for planning to embark on a CPR and First Aid training programme.
“I think that is a great and excellent idea for you to embark upon because if the community of South Eleuthera is truly CPR trained, imagine the message you would send out to not only The Bahamas but to the rest of the world and the message you would send out to tourists,” Dr. Minnis said.
“Before individuals visit a particular country or island, two things play an important role: health and crime. If they are convinced that each and every one of you understands and could perform CPR, then you would be better than any hospital.”
“I would hope that other communities in our Bahamas would follow suit because you are truly leading us into a new direction of healthcare,” Dr. Minnis said. “You are truly preparing this community for the future and I will learn from you today and ensure that The Bahamas is prepared for the future in following suit.”
He also promised that the residents would receive help from the Government as they embark on their training programmes and plans to educate students and each other about healthy living and illness prevention.
Dr. Minnis also commended the local and winter residents along with corporate sponsors who under the guidance of the South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP) organisation, raised funds to refurbish the five-year-old ambulance and purchase a fire truck for use in the community.
SEEP was established after a group of local citizens came together to discuss ways to increase the support given to the fire and medical services on the island.
Caption
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of Health the Hon. Hubert Minnis cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the re-commissioning ceremony of an ambulance presented to the Ministry of Health in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Looking on is Nursing Officer for South Eleuthera Whelma Dorsett. (BIS photo/Patrick Hanna)