Pictures posted on Facebook showing the ambulance being used during prom.
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
THE Public Hospitals Authority yesterday condemned the use of a government ambulance by a teenage girl for her prom entrance in Abaco last Friday.
The Tribune understands that one of the employees involved in the incident has already been suspended.
In a statement, the Public Hospital Authority (PHA) said it is “despicable” that an ambulance under the management of the Authority was used in the execution of a prom. The PHA added that “disciplinary action” has been taken, and more action may be taken after the conclusion of an investigation.
The statement came two days after photographs were posted on social media, showing the teen girl dressed all in white, arriving at a prom in Marsh Harbour in the ambulance. The girl, who pretended to be unconscious, was then carried out of the ambulance on a stretcher by what appears to be Emergency Services Personnel.
Her date, dressed as “Prince Charming, then kissed her and brought her back to life, according to reports.
“The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) finds it despicable that an ambulance under the management of the Authority was used in the execution of a prom event in Marsh Harbour, Abaco at the weekend. The use of the ambulance is in direct contravention of the rules regarding the dispatching and use of emergency vehicles which should be dispatched solely for the purpose of medical transport,” the statement said.
“All EMTs and ambulance drivers are well aware of the rules that govern the engagement of emergency vehicles. The Public Hospitals Authority has undertaken disciplinary action regarding the incident and further action may result following the conclusion of an investigation.”
The photos, which were shared more than 200 times on Facebook, received mixed reaction from the public.
One person said: “What about the actual persons that needed the service of this ambulance? I’m all for creativity and pushing the envelope, but certain resources are scarce and shouldn’t be used frivolously. Sorry, I don’t support the use of emergency vehicles for prom entries. Not when it is quite difficult to get a prompt response during an emergency.”
Another person said: “It doesn’t matter which island this is. An ambulance is for emergency purposes only. An ambulance is bought with our money because we pay taxes so we have a right to voice our opinions. Clear and simple, someone should be held accountable for this irresponsible act.”
However, some persons defended the action, claiming that the teen girl was salutatorian of her graduation class and also received a full scholarship to attend the College of the Bahamas.
“That was out of the box. People always have something negative to say. While you guys are making noise she graduated top of her class as the salutatorian, so her education will speak for (itself), you guys’ negative comments don’t move her,” one supporter wrote.
Another said: “She was Teacher Cadet of the year, she went up against students for the entire Bahamas, and got (a) full scholarship to the College of The Bahamas. She wanted something different so why are you making noise?
“The prime minister should have driven her to prom if you ask me. And this ambulance doesn’t move anyway, so if anything, that little drive to prom lessens the likelihood of that ambulance’s gears locking up when or if it ever moves to save a life.”
Comments
Regardless 9 years, 5 months ago
...yet another Dumb and Dumber moment in The Bahamas. Love to see her GPA.
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
When we look at the cumulative abuse on the civil service ........ where does this rank???
I agree that the EMT and his/her boss should be disciplined for this abuse of government property .............. but what about all those government cars that are out on private business, and government equipment used for private use etc??????????
OMG 9 years, 5 months ago
Some of the above comments defy commonsense. This not about pushing the envelope or being top of the class its about having an emergency vehicle available at a minutes notice. Whether it is used frequently or not has nothing to do with it.
TruthHurts 9 years, 5 months ago
I agree! What the hell???
“That was out of the box. People always have something negative to say. While you guys are making noise she graduated top of her class as the salutatorian, so her education will speak for (itself), you guys’ negative comments don’t move her,” one supporter wrote."
What the hell does her being the most smartest yet 'dumbest' person to pull off a stunt like this? So that means because she gets good grades she can do whatever she pleases??? Think people, THINK!!!
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrades da sister will be scouted to run come 2012 by da PLP, FNM and Bran.
TruthHurts 9 years, 5 months ago
lmao.. Our country gone to the dogs! Common sense aint...
Sickened 9 years, 5 months ago
Salutatorian only means that she was second best. She may still only have a GPA of 2.00 if the rest of her class are morons (as the ambulance workers clearly are as well as the others who support this kind of crap).
TruthHurts 9 years, 5 months ago
Thank you for that! wink wink
Abacochick 9 years, 5 months ago
You're a grown ass Adult calling a child a moron. And if you don't know someone you call them by their name. Jus to inform you. All of her class graduated with a 2.50 or above. And she actually graduated with distinction. 2015 Teachers Cadet of the year.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 5 months ago
If the supporter is correct and the ambulance never moves, it needs to be sent to Nassau or some other island where there's a shortage of ambulances
ohdrap4 9 years, 5 months ago
Oy, then they should stop dispatching ambulances to buy KFC for lunch!!! lol
What a stupid idea, you are dead on arrival for your prom?
voltairehumor 9 years, 5 months ago
creative entrance
Cobalt 9 years, 5 months ago
I understand why people would be upset if a public ambulance was used in a theatrical stunt such as this. Especially when currently there seems to be a shortage of emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles. I agree that the person responsible should be suspended.
However, I applaud the student's creativity. Proms are suppose to be fun. I imagine that this is somewhat an imitation of the fairy tale story "Sleeping Beauty. I'm not sure what her GPA is..... but what if she and her counterpart are smart students? They certainly have artistic ideas.
Whenever students possess certain gifts such as these, and the ability to organize and carry them out, we should commend them. Maybe she and her prom date have a future in the Preforming Arts! Just saying.
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrade Cobalt are you recommending the two as potential performing MP's come 2017? Do i dare ask as candidates of which political party?
Cobalt 9 years, 5 months ago
Lol. Maybe we should put them in power. They seem to have more creativity than Perry Christie.
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrade only got my support as future MP's cuz by the time they're nominated run as MP's come 2017, knowing taxpayers as well as we do, would've done forgiven them using taxpayers dollars as prom's prop. Excellent MP training don't you think?
Stapedius 9 years, 5 months ago
Who gives a rat's arse what she ranked in her class? She's not to blame anyway. It's the idiot EMT and the manager who consented to doing it. We always mixing apples and oranges what the hell does her grades have to do with anything? Fire them both. I get the impression that this is routine for them. Ie. Using the emergency vehicle for personal runs.
Cobalt 9 years, 5 months ago
But then we would have to fire police officers who often use their squad-cars for personal use too. Wouldn't we?
TruthHurts 9 years, 5 months ago
Half of the academy needs to go anyway! You can't instill integrity. People should know better and respect the positions they hold.
USAhelp 9 years, 5 months ago
Post it on Facebook if you see then we may get some creative excuse from our leaders
DMoe 9 years, 5 months ago
Haters, the girl is going to be a star. Brilliant move!
lionfish 9 years, 5 months ago
Unfortunately this IS her 15 minutes!
Sickened 9 years, 5 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 5 months ago
And Alfred a Gray still holds a seat of honor... The lesson of this government is, don't be the small man
jusscool 9 years, 5 months ago
LIKE I SAID ON FACEBOOK . ALL OF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY JUST USING ONE THING...............A HEARSE!
christee 9 years, 5 months ago
It is mind boggling that any right thinking person would see nothing wrong with this (then again I did say right thinking). This is totally unacceptable. Have we lost our minds as a people? The fact that she is class salutatorian means that she is an intelligent young lady and aught to have known better. The people who facilitated her in this blatant abuse of this public emergency vehicle should also have known better and a clear message must be sent that this will not be tolerated. Emergency vehicles should never be used for anything other than what they are intended for. Quite frankly. I think this prom thing has gone way too far anyway.
newcitizen 9 years, 5 months ago
So with all of this grand outrage, was anyone actually inconvenienced by this? Can we find a story of the person who was unable to get to a hospital due to there not being an ambulance? This was a dumb decision to allow this to happen, and it could have put someone at risk, but luckily it didn't. The person responsible should be informed what they did wrong and the PHA should take this opportunity as a teaching moment for all of their workers about proper use of resources. But enough with the witch hunt mentality. It's over, it was dumb, but luckily no direct harm was caused by it. Let's just make sure resources are better used going forward.
Now, if everyone could take all of this great outrage and apply it to something that actually matter. Maybe the state of crime, or corruption, or government transparency. Something that affects all of us, yet the vast majority we don't hear a peep from. It's wonderful to see people getting behind something here in the Bahamas, but just like this ambulance, let's focus this resource on much more important problems.
abacogrouper 9 years, 5 months ago
Very well said. It happened - it should not have - let's make the corrective decisions and actions - let's learn from it and move on. A lot of other problems to solve.
ohdrap4 9 years, 5 months ago
i have learned. next year, when i graduate, i shall arrive in a fire engine instead..
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 5 months ago
What you haven't been told (because The Tribune doesn't investigate much these days) is that Emergency Dispatch in Abaco received two emergency calls while sleeping beauty and her cohorts were frolicking about in one of the only two ambulances in Abaco. Every worker on government payroll connected with this mindless incident should be immediately fired, no matter how many mouths they may say they have to feed at home!
pablojay 9 years, 5 months ago
The strange thing about this silly incident,where the young lady is congratulated and even encouraged for thinking 'out of the box',is that every blogger in support of this, if they were to have seen her being driven to the prom in a RED PLATED CAR would be very upset . But an ambulance okay???? Only in The Bahamas !
ohdrap4 9 years, 5 months ago
what's wrong with being driven to the prom in red plated car?
christee 9 years, 5 months ago
Newcitizen, it is your way of thinking that has this country in the deep mess it is in today. I agree with what mudda_take_sick had to say. We don't demand accountability and that is why our country is in such a mess today. To say nothing happened is no excuse for such an irresponsible act. Every individual who was a part of this despicable act should be discioplined to ensure this kind of thing never ever happens again
SP 9 years, 5 months ago
Bahamas going to hell in a hand basket, and this useless story draws more feedback than anything else...Lol
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