Trauma One Report

July 2000 Table of Contents

TRAUMA ONE REPORT
from Dan Wiltfang

As of the 30th of May 2000, Trauma One has received only 84 responses to the 1056 letters requesting support placed in 1056 postal boxes on the 10th April 2000. The letters sent provided a statement of the current financial position for the first four years of Trauma One service. Also provided were statements on number of call responses made, resupply and maintenance requirements, anticipated increases in calls, and an appeal for funds necessary to address these matters.

As of 30th May 2000, the respondents to the Trauma One appeal have provided funds sufficient to barely address the remaining direct debt as presented in the 1056 letters. Of the respondents, 13% have provided 58% of the funds received. All of the respondents are familiar to Trauma One from past and continued support. The vast majority of the Abaco population remains dependent on the concern and generosity of these few. Trauma One will not publicly provide specific names of these whom we hold in the highest of regard in respect to their selfless nonegotistical contribution. Instead, we will continue to do our utmost to honour their confidence in our efforts. Still, it remains that four and a half years of service to the Abaco community has been provided by these few residents and visiting members of this community.

The promise of service for the future remains uncertain. This responsibility is placed on the Abaco community. A central government cannot be relied upon to provide all forms of service without the participation of the individual at some point. The expectance of a majority of this population "to be taken care of" is unrealistic and irresponsible. This refers to all forms of emergency services and Trauma One suggests that the Fire and Rescue services be considered as well. Trauma One and all the emergency services are asking for the support of the majority. A reasonable contribution to support the totally self involved is unfair. Ultimately the success or failure of any of the volunteer staffed emergency services may be placed on who you see in the mirror.

With specific reference to Treasure Cay, Trauma One points out that this is an Abaco service. Building a garage and centre in Treasure Cay at some point in the future instead of supporting the existing service is of questionable value. For these past four and a half years, Trauma One has provided call coverage and on station direct coverage for over a year in the Treasure Cay area. To this date, only a handful of supporters from the Treasure Cay area is noted. One individual is solely responsible for the funds that kept a Trauma One unit on station in Treasure Cay. That support will be exhausted in the near future. The decision to maintain a unit in any area will have to be dependent on the support from that area.

All Abaco owes Aunt Bea Shirley of Man-O-Way Cay the respect and thanks for providing funds for equipment and support of the Trauma One expansion. Special recognition of her support has three times been postponed. Unfortunately, as individuals and a group, too few others have met the responsibility to address the increased expense incurred by Trauma One to maintain an expanded network.

Under the current legislation, a subscription or fee service cannot be initiated. Treasure Cay cannot provide service support funding through regular dues, fees, or the like without legal compliance. So far, for the maintenance of the donations and contributions supported, volunteer staffed service is permitted to operate outside of these constraints.

Without the commitment of donated funds to support Trauma One as a network, the establishment of an independent service in a specific area will constitute the origin of a private service. This, by definition under current legislation, will necessitate specific and special approvals from central government. It will also beg the position for salaried personnel that will require housing and maintenance. Trauma One cannot guarantee that this is not the future for all current services, but for the present Trauma One is established and recognised. The success or failure of this service is in the hands of the population.

Trauma One, AB-20594, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. (242) 367-2911

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