The Treasure Beach Emergency Response Unit (TBERU) began as a joint project between the International Society for Emergency Care and Breds, the Treasure Beach Foundation, created to enhance the safety of Treasure Beach citizens. During the first training in 2002, the team of doctors from Bellevue Hospital in New York were impressed with the overwhelming support by the community, and decided to raise funds to purchase an ambulance. They accomplished this goal in 2003 and bought a year 2000 model ambulance on auction from Japan. Food For The Poor generously paid for the shipping to Jamaica. After the ambulance’s arrival, the doctors made another trip to Jamaica. This trip was for the purpose of helping the existing TBERU members train on the ambulance and also to train other community members who wished to become part of the Response Unit. Another 30 community members were trained in first aid and CPR during an intensive training course lasting over thirty hours in two weeks. They were trained in CPR, water rescue, and emergency first aid.

During their visit, the Bellevue team also reached out to surrounding communities, teaching CPR and emergency medicine, held CPR clinics, trained local fishermen in water rescue and CPR, and worked with JIS teaching helicopter safety for medical emergencies.

The official ambulance launch and graduation of new TBERU members was held on Saturday April 10, 2004. Speakers included Paulette Elliott from the Ministry of Health, The Mayor Frank Whittor, and Donald Buchanan, M.P. Heartfelt speeches were also made by Dr. James Sadock and Veronica Berry, R.N.

The ambulance will be used for emergency calls that require ambulance transportation to the Black River Hospital. It will be provided free of charge, but a donation may be made for upkeep and maintenance.

The Treasure Beach Response Unit is the now the only volunteer run ambulance corps in the country of Jamaica. Without all the hard work from the Response Unit Volunteers as well as the team of doctors from New York, it would not be possible. The program is supported by Treasure Beach citizens, who wish to see grow It is “a program that continues to expand with the love and support of this community.” –Dr. James Sadock.

Breds would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses from Bellevue Hospital for their time and commitment to the Treasure Beach Emergency Response Unit: Dr. James Sadock, Dr. Phil Levy, Dr. Peter Gordon, Dr. Aaron Hexdall, Dr. Philip Hew, Dr. Jason Kahn, Dr. Bill Goldberg, Veronica Berry, R.N., Sue Montella, R.N., and Paramedic Robert Rosenwald.

That is wonderful !!!

Congratulations Breds on this amazing acheivement! I have seen the amount of work put into this by the doctors, nurses, and the Breds team, especially Beth, Darrin, and Jason. Thank you all for your dedication to this community.

Rebecca, please get in touch with sandy, we have a nurse who is visiting briefly that would be of intrest to your project. she does stuff all over the west end of JA and has wonderfull contacts. she also stockpiles medical equipt. for donations, so if you need somethong she is you girl. she's one if the good ones Rebecca, she could be a true friend of our comunity we love so much.
respect,
nigel tatham