KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 250 volunteers mobilised by St John’s Ambulance Jamaica and the JN Foundation provided first aid and essential medical support to nearly 800 residents in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland over the weekend.

The relief effort was supported by the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), a member of the JN Group, which transported volunteers and supplied free Wi-Fi access via Starlink to residents who remain without power and internet connectivity following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Volunteers including certified first aid responders, trainers and healthcare assistants treated elderly residents who had lost their medication during the storm and others who sustained injuries but were unable to access medical care due to damaged infrastructure and impassable roads.

Among those assisted was Vincent Wilson, an elderly diabetic from Barton Wharf, Lacovia, who was rescued by neighbours after his wooden home collapsed during the hurricane.

“When we go over there, he was trapped in a closet. Him go under there [the wardrobe/closet] to look shelter, but the house tumble down and [trap him],” recalled rescuer Morgan, who, along with his wife and son, cut through their fence to reach Wilson. Wilson recognised the emergency while trying to save their chickens and responded immediately.

“He barely could walk because him cramp, but we shoulder him until we get him [across].”

Wilson is now recovering with the Morgan family, though his medications were lost in the storm. Volunteers also met several residents who, despite their own injuries, continued to rebuild homes for family and neighbours.

Ramorio Solomon of Rice Pieces suffered abrasions after a motorcycle fall just a day prior to the volunteers’ visit. Blotches, commonly known as “cherries”, were visible on his left arm and right leg. With no access to a medical facility, only hydrogen peroxide was available to dress the wounds.

Romeo Wright, son-in-law of the elderly Meleta Harris who also lost most of her medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and heart condition, fell as he carried her from her home during the storm when the roof of her home blew off. He fell face down, injuring his chest.

Despite their pain, all three men were still working to repair roofs and clear debris.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St John Ambulance, Duane Ellis, praised the collaboration among volunteers from the JN Group, Kiwanis International, youth organisations, and students from the University of Technology Jamaica and the University of the West Indies Mona. He noted that, in addition to providing immediate care, the teams collected vital data on residents’ medical and welfare needs to support targeted follow-up interventions in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“The response by volunteers was overwhelming,” Ellis said. “Because of that we have been able to conduct a very good information gathering on the needs in these communities, in respect of both the medical and welfare needs, so that targeted assistance can be provided in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other agencies.”

Chairman of St John Ambulance and CEO of the JN Group, Earl Jarret, commended the volunteers for their compassion and professionalism, reminding them to uphold the dignity of survivors during the recovery process.

“Be empathetic,” Jarrett urged. “What you are doing is beyond what is expected.”

A man has wound on his foot treated by a member of the St John Ambulance Jamaica first aid team in Whitehouse, Westmoreland.

A member of the St John Ambulance Jamaica medical team checks the vitals of an elderly resident of Whitehouse, Westmoreland on November 1.

The damage wrought by Hurricane Melissa on the home of Vincent Wilson, a resident of Barton Wharf in Lacovia, St Elizabeth. In the background is a wardrobe in which the tall, lanky elderly man sought refuge as his house fell apart from the lashes of the violent category 5 hurricane winds.