I would like to comment on an article I read published on 20 August.
My company – Skymedical Health Services – also met with various members on a trip to the Caymans back last month. Of the many individuals my company met with, Craig Brown of the HSA, was one of them. I found him to be a no-nonsense, straight to the point professional administrator who has made it very clear that the air ambulance tender will be looked at for the best care and most beneficial price for the Cayman people.
He was friendly and polite, and my staff walked away pleased to have had a few minutes of his time.
I agree that there should be an air ambulance provider on island 24/7. In our case, we are ready to supply two aircraft and staff on island 24/7 and it is feasible.
The people at Executive Air Services Ltd seem to think waiting three hours for an air ambulance is acceptable. That in itself is a concern. In three hours a patient should be in Miami for critical care rather than waiting for an air ambulance to decide to come by.
Cayman island residents deserve to know that in good weather, bad weather, busy season or slow season that they can get the advanced care they deserve. This can only be done by an onsite provider who reports directly to the powers to be in the Cayman health network.
Most off island providers want to keep the Caymans as a “nice to have” contract that they can take or leave when an emergency call comes in. If there is a better call that will make more money, then the poor lad from a bad car accident who needs advanced care in Miami has to wait until it’s convenient for American companies to fly over.
The idea that only an extra 45 minutes to an hour wait is acceptable is the exact image of the business orientated company and not of healthcare providers. Too many times the golden hour is wasted on insurance runners who take the money making calls first and the rest second. So if we want to get a plane fast, just cough up US$50,000 and here comes a provider. If that plane can get a crew, good weather and it isn’t bumped for a call worth $100.00 more, you’re in good shape.
On-island air ambulance with multiple planes means 20 minutes off the ground; advanced care nurses and paramedics; cardiac monitors, IV, trauma gear, medications, and the dedication and equipment to fly to all three islands and save lives. All this for the cost of two averagetransfer costs. That’s feasible. That’s what Skymedical Services does.
Christian Wishnousky
Skymedical Health Services
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