Monday, April 9, 2012

USCG Medical Evacuation from Freedom of the Seas

Good morning,

On Easter Saturday aboard Freedom of the Seas we had a medical emergency.  We have a medical facility with two doctors, two nurses, and other medical personnel, but we do not have a full hospital for specialized care.

We were having a scheduled sea day between Cozumel, Mexico, and our home of Port Canaveral.  We detoured to waters off the coast of Key West, Florida, to meet a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter so our patient could be evacuated.  As we pulled close to Key West we passed a Coast Guard ship, but this one was not involved in the evacuation.
A small fishing boat seems quite surprised to see us here.  I'm taking pictures from our stateroom window, very close to the wing bridge (right side of image). 
With my baby camera, a Canon Powershot, I've zoomed quite a bit to get these pictures.  The fishermen watched us for awhile before moving on. 
Waiting in the window with my camera paid off.  Soon the US Coast Guard heliopter arrived. 
It circled once before landing on the helipad on the bow of the ship.
 This short video shows it passing my window.
 I believe the helicopter was on our ship no more than 17 minutes...
 ...before it took off to a hospital ashore.

In a previous post I took pictures while standing on the helipad.  Click here to take a look.

I have no information yet on the condition of the patient, but am so grateful we live in a time when we have excellent medical care as well as the capability of getting those who need that care to where they can receive it.  Thanks to Freedom's Medical and Marine teams and to the US Coast Guard who orchestrated the successful evacuation of this patient.

Best,
Lois
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11 comments:

  1. NedraApril 9, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    I always wondered how fast the medical attention was on a cruise ship. I learned something today! Thanks.

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  2. TexWisGirlApril 9, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    i can only imagine how terrifying that must be for patient and their companions.

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  3. MontanagirlApril 9, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    That's pretty nice to be able to have transportation to medical facilities, if needed.

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  4. Yogi♪♪♪April 9, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    Nice shots, I hope whoever it was that needed help is doing ok.

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  5. Sheltie TimesApril 9, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    Scary for the family involved, but you got some amazing shots.

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  6. rkbsnanaApril 9, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Great shots. But how scary to be evacuated by helicopter

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  7. Ricki TreleavenApril 9, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Wow...impressive! I hope the patient recovers quickly.

    xo,
    RJ

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  8. ElaineApril 9, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    You captured some good images, but too bad that the helicopter was needed. Hopefully the patient is doing okay after what had to be a frightening event for the family.

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  9. momto8April 9, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    on my first cruise I also witnessed something like this..it actually made me feel safe knowing this was possible...and as we watched everyone was so prepared and knew exactly what they were doing...
    i am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

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  10. Bob BushellApril 10, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    Good luck to the patient.

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  11. VPApril 10, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    Spectacular! I hope the parient will be fine...

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