Overview
For years we have supported our client’s mining site in Madagascar, delivering their community health initiatives as part of their broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. As their health partner, they contacted us following a severe incident at sea where the lives of 11 community members were in danger. Taking place near the remote Andrakaraka beach of Fort-Dauphin, our site medical team responded promptly and participated in the rescue operation to support the local authorities.
Problem
A boat accident occurred near the Andrakaraka beach of Fort-Dauphin, involving multiple community members, including children, elderly persons, and a pregnant woman. Our client sought our support in providing emergency care as part of the rescue operation. The boat was stranded and the weather conditions unfavourable causing the captain to make a distress call.
The local authorities quickly mobilised and sought the help of nearby organisations, including our client. Coordinating the response with the local authorities, our client activated our site medical team for emergency medical support and within an hour we were on the scene to support.
Solution
Our team swiftly dispatched an ambulance, appropriate medical equipment and two Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) trained nurses to the scene. They worked hand-in-hand with the rescue team to provide emergency care and stabilisation to the rescued passengers. The temperature, blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood pressure were taken as part of the triage.
Two patients needed sutures which were given on-site. Once everyone was stabilised at the scene, with their body temperature back to normal with emergency blankets and hot drinks, they were safely transported via our ground ambulance to the local hospital for further care.