The Health Services Authority has increased its disaster response capabilities with the arrival of a specialised medical Disaster Assistance Response Trailer.
The specially equipped trailer can be immediately deployed to any situation involving mass casualties and requiring rapid on-site medical treatment and assistance, said a HSA press release.
The trailer is always at the ready with an assortment of supplies, said Mrs. Shirline Henriques, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority. ‘Once on site it enables the medical team to establish a presence and begin operations.’
In addition to the medical supplies the trailer also comes equipped with power and lighting, tools, tables and chairs, cooking and serving items, office supplies, cots, hygiene kits and housekeeping supplies.
The purchase of the disaster trailer was made possible through the generous contribution from clients of captive insurance funds in the Cayman Islands, the release said.
The assistance provided ‘reflects the commitment of the clients of these captive insurance funds to health and their interest in ensuring that there is the capability on island to respond to any disaster situation,’ said Mr. David Whitefield, who coordinated the effort.
‘Healthcare is an important aspect of national development. Having witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Ivan and more recently Hurricane Katrina in the United States and the critical role of emergency personnel who need to adequately respond to such situations, the clients had no hesitation in committing the funds for the purchase,’ he said.
‘In any emergency or natural disaster the ability of the emergency medical team to respond and render immediate care makes a big difference in the outcome and this vehicle will certainly boost our capabilities immensely enabling us to respond appropriately and promptly in any situation,’ said Mrs. Henriques.
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