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Dear Editor, Below are my comments on “Emergency response times questioned” and the response from Health Minister Bob Williams.
I am an American expat who has lived on the island for a year and a half. Unlike the emergency response times in the United States and other developed countries, the Cook Islands have limited resources. Unfortunately, the incident occurred in Muri, which is far from the hospital.
While I pray for the victims’ families, I also wonder what the future solution will be? Can ambulances be parked in the Muri area? What about the Awaaroa access road in the south?
It is not just the drownings, it would be wiser to disperse the ambulances strategically across the island to reduce critical response time. Each village has its own clinic and while the Ministry of Health has received $24 million to improve medical facilities, I would like to see an expansion of the emergency response department, which will save lives.
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Graham Roper October 7, 2024
The evidence shows that the TMO, led by Williams, has no intention of improving pre-hospital emergency care. The Government has shown no sign of that either, as evidenced by the Prime Minister (PIF) spending $1.7 million on vehicles that no one needs in November, which shows the Government’s arrogance and entitlement. Less than a year ago, the TMO/Williams rejected the opportunity to improve the ambulance service, increase staffing capacity and a fully sustainable funding model. The TMO/Williams still have failed to answer many questions about the ambulances, for example, what happened to the 3 new ambulances provided/purchased that do not appear to be in use?