EHS and their Caring Angels

The Editor: Over the last few weeks, there has been some unpleasant publicity about the Emergency Health Service and the declining number of ambulances available.

I suppose that only a few in our population have used, or ever had need of the EHS. I too was quite oblivious of their function, and seeing their ambulances careening about the place with flashing lights, I shrugged my shoulder as having nothing to do with me. About 15 months ago however, when my wife was gravely ill, we needed a suction machine, which we could neither rent from anyone, nor borrow from any of the private hospitals; and the doctor who told us to get one was no help in locating one. After much frantic searching we found one in Chaguanas through the Yellow Pages, but the proprietor of that business, the only one who could instruct us in its use, had departed the country the previous day. We thus had this brand new machine still in its original carton, but all attempts to get help in using it were futile — unless we could bring the patient, which was quite impossible. Someone then mentioned the EHS — and within minutes literally, just as on the TV shows, an ambulance arrived with two young ladies in their early twenties.

These two angels were about to go off duty, but were somehow inspired to take our call. Their poise and professional manner immediately put us at ease. They showed us how to use the suction machine, offered  what help they could, and after about 30 minutes, with little fanfare, they left us an eternally grateful family. With tears welling in my eyes, I could just bow my head in thanks. However, it was the first time in my life that I felt happy to be a taxpayer, and proud that TT had such a wonderful service, staffed with equally wonderful people. I do not know the issues in the EHS impasse, but I plead with whoever is responsible, not to allow this outstanding example of dedicated efficiency to collapse. I had intended to acknowledge my appreciation of the EHS much sooner, but I do so now so that my fellow citizens would know that in my time of need, emergency help was just a phone call away. It may be your turn next!

MICHAEL J WILLIAMS
Maracas