London Ambulance Midwife Reflects on Humbling Relief Effort in Jamaica Hurricane
Camella Main, a midwife from London Ambulance Service, recently returned from a six-week humanitarian mission in Jamaica. She was part of the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) that provided essential medical care following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to hit the island.
Deployment After Disaster
Camella joined the UK Emergency Medical Team, managed by UK-Med, aimed at delivering emergency healthcare in crises. Her mission focused on helping pregnant women and newborns in communities severely affected by the hurricane.
Life-Saving Challenges
During her deployment, Camella faced numerous challenges. One notable incident involved a 30-week pregnant woman who delivered her baby in a car park at a remote mobile clinic. Camella described the situation: “The baby was gasping but then stopped breathing. With minimal equipment and no ambulance available, we improvised and got them to the hospital. Both the mother and baby survived.”
Conditions on the Ground
The aftereffects of Hurricane Melissa were devastating. Many hospitals and clinics were destroyed, electricity was inconsistent, and access to clean drinking water was scarce. Camella reflected on her experience, stating, “It was such an honour to be asked to help. Pregnant women are the most vulnerable in a disaster.”
Mobile Clinics and Community Support
- Camella set up temporary mobile clinics under gazebos.
- She used a sun lounger as an improvised examination bed.
- More than 20 women and babies were seen each day.
Many local midwives were balancing patient care with salvaging belongings from their destroyed homes. Camella noted the immense struggle faced by the community to meet their basic needs.
Midwifery in Emergency Care
Her experience at London Ambulance Service provided invaluable support during this demanding mission. Camella remarked, “We saw extreme situations in Jamaica, and my background in emergency care was essential.”
Restoring Essential Maternity Care
The UK EMT was deployed across Jamaica to assist overwhelmed health services, focusing on restoring vital maternity care in the most impacted areas.
A Humbling Experience
Reflecting on her time in Jamaica, Camella stated, “It was tough at times but deeply humbling. I was with a great team and I will never forget the gratitude of the Jamaican people.” She emphasized that midwifery is about ensuring safe and empowering childbirth, even in challenging circumstances.
Despite the devastation, Camella witnessed moments of hope as new lives were brought into the world, serving as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit amidst adversity.
