The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is excited to announce the graduation of Cayman’s next generation of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s). The six young Caymanian trainees completed their three month course at Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac. The additional clinical hours in the ambulance were done at Cayman Islands Hospital in Grand Cayman. The end of the training examination was conducted at Faith Hospital by the external examiner Mr. Delwin Ferguson, Director of EMS at University of Technology, Jamaica. The newly graduated EMT’s are now eligible to work as fully qualified EMTs in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

Roy McTaggart, Councillor for Health, made opening remarks at the graduation ceremony, highlighting that the opportunity to offer this training locally is vital to career enhancement and supports the HSA in creating job opportunities for Caymanians in the healthcare industry.

“The importance of training in a local environment has two significant outcomes. Firstly, the trainees can complete their practical hours in an environment that they will eventually work in, being trained by professionals who have a hands-on understanding of working in Cayman and the specific skills required to work as an EMT,” McTaggart said. “Secondly, the HSA will be able to facilitate more EMT local training initiatives by local professionals. This strategic decision will ensure that HSA opportunities are proactively made more readily available to Caymanians in the future.”

Dr. Delroy Jefferson, HSA Medical Director, said “I am pleased to see this programme come together, as it provides another entry point whereby young Caymanians can access the noble career of healthcare.”

Dr. Srirangan Velusamy, Director of Sister Islands Health Services, said “We, at Faith Hospital, were excited and proud to be able to provide the opportunity for six hard working young individuals to become Emergency Medical Technicians. The most satisfying aspect of this journey has been using local talents and training them to an international standard of proficiency. This has proven that we have the potential to provide many more opportunities to fulfill the dreams of young people in the field of healthcare, and facilitate them to become confident and successful contributing members of our society.”

Graduates included Cameron Myrie, Michael Blackburn, Jelani Rivers McLean, Joseph Chollette, Brian Neil Dilbert and Sonja McLean Rivers.

Visit www.hsa.ky for more information and services offered at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority.

Photo Caption 1– (L to R) EMT Graduates: Cameron Myrie, Michael Blackburn, Jelani Rivers McLean, Joseph Chollette and Brian Neil Dilbert. Not pictured – Sonja McLean Rivers.