Fire chief applauds rescues by WB crew
(CNS): Chief Fire Officer David Hails has lauded his fire crews and paramedics in West Bay after two recent rescues where they managed to save the lives of visitors who got into trouble swimming and snorkelling. On Saturday, 18 November, the collaborative efforts of emergency responders saved one life and at the beginning of the month fire crews put their own lives at risk in rough water when they saved one of two men who were in serious trouble off the coast of Cemetery Beach.
“Our men and women work tirelessly to protect our visitors and residents,” Hails said, adding that the preservation of life was a significant responsibility that his team does not take lightly.
“Both incidents demonstrated the strong collaborative work that our country’s first responders carry out on a daily basis. We will remain committed to working in conjunction with them so that together we are able to provide an efficient service to the people of the Cayman Islands,” Hails added.
On 18 November 911 dispatched emergency crews, including the West Bay fire team, when a call came in that a woman, who was on a group diving excursion, had become unresponsive while underwater, and was receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from one of the boat crew members.
When fire officers Norman Josephs, Pablito Jocson, Urick McField and Michael Swaby arrived on the scene, CPR was being administered by EMS personnel, and the crew immediately began to assist. “While I was doing CPR I was hoping to the good Lord that my work was not in vain,” Josephs said. “My main goal in that moment was to save the woman’s life.”
McField continued to perform compressions while in the back of the ambulance for 20 minutes, as EMS personnel carried out other medical procedures and Swaby drove the team to George Town Hospital. “Teamwork is the key to doing the job faster and efficiently,” Jocson said. “We always work hard together because that is our mission as emergency first responders.”
In that case the diver was treated and later released from the hospital, but earlier in the month one of the swimmers that fire officers pulled from the water died. Two of the West Bay fire officers swam more than 25 feet out to sea in rough conditions with a strong undercurrent to pull two visitors who were in serious trouble from the waters off Cemetery Beach. The men were transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital, where one was unfortunately pronounced dead. However, the life of the second man was saved.
Category: Local News
I think the comments are going way off. The point of this article is to highlight the good work and efforts of the Officers in the WB Fire Department who are just like many others forgotten or never receive praise.
Rather than highlight another group in negativity, praise these Officers and offer support to them. If you feel there are other bodies who should be recognised, contact CNS and let them know or use your own social media pages to congratulate the persons.
More positive vibes only!
I have never ever seen anything like these posts. Everyone is on an ego trip. That is the ruination of Cayman. It is in even the churches. Come on folks the Firemen has always been smart guys. Even the Old Chief Nixon always said that he had a man on board for everything. We like wise have good Pilots and as the writer spoke of good mechanics not to mention some of the best seamen in the world. Everyone will get their turn for appreciation. If we are giving alittle donation the poor person in need is posed before a camera while the giver who in most cases are looking for some elevation is too standing before the camera passing a little cheque. This kind of self ego stinks. The best and hardest working people who are usually the highest achievers never do this kind of stuff but is always known and respected in the Public. I am happy and highly respectful of our Firemen who are mostly Caymanians. Shame on you Cayman guys who are so jealous.
You should do it then you scumbag!
Cayman airways Mechanics should get big praises for the good job they do. They work behind the scenes and is forgotten, but they do a very good jobs keeping the Planes running in good order, so here’s to them, i appreciate them very much and the very good job that they do. Thanks very much guys, God bless.
So it’s left to their bosses to highlight that…. You gonna chop one man down because he recognizes his employees efforts
Police, DOE, Port Authority and dive operators have all been doing this for years and suddenly the Fire Service are heroes after swimming 25 feet and doing what many first responders do everyday of their working lives. Newsflash boys, you’re not the only heroes on the block, there have been many incidents this year where both the trained and untrained have risked their lives to save others. It’s called duty, get over it.
To all the negative posters you are few in number indeed and very much cowards it seems as you fail to place your name to your stupid comments. Get a life e\get a job or just leave he Island will ya?
In other breaking news, first responders do their jobs!
Troll.
O c’mon. Sour grapes. It’s their job sure but it’s nice to recognise them once in a while. Great job boys.