This Saturday, November 26, 2012, the Montserrat Red Cross (MRC) will host a variety show and auction with the goal of raising enough funds to purchase two automated external defibrillators.
According to Red Cross Patron Mrs Sujue Davis, the wife of His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis, the evening will begin at 6:30pm at Government House, Palm Loop, Woodlands and will also include a raffle. Tickets for this variety show are $50.00 each.
Montserrat currently has one ambulance that is shared and operated by the fire service between them and the hospital since 2010.
Mrs. Davis, said “the response distance from the north to the furthest habitable part of Montserrat (Isle Bay Hill) is 12 minutes. In a worst case medical/trauma scenario it takes a few minutes for a person’s condition to deteriorate and the chance of survival reduced.
“Having an AED in close proximity and where it can be used immediately will significantly improve the chance of survival. In the light of this, the MRC board agreed on a project that seeks to improve the medical/trauma response and treatment to patients mainly but not limited to the Southern part of the Island. Procuring the machines is a start and the Red Cross will provide the necessary training in basic first aid and the use of the AEDs,” Mrs. Davis explained.
The Red Cross is still looking for sponsors, and welcomes items to be auctioned and raffled with all of the proceeds going to acquire the two machines for use by emergency services.