Newborn Dead, Medic Shortage

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - It's yet another heart wrenching story related to the impact the Guam Fire Department's shortage of medics is having on the island's community. GFD Spokesperson Joey San Nicolas confirms that just before eleven o'clock in the morning Thursday GFD responded to report of a pregnant woman who was experiencing abdominal pain in the village of Merizo. Instead of an ambulance  a forestry truck from Umatac responded and remained with the patient until an ambulance was available for transport. During this time San Nicolas says GFD called the military for mutual aid, but they were unable to assist. When a medic was finally available to respond, it broke down in the village of Agat. In between this time, according to San Nicolas the woman gave birth. It wasn't until an hour and a half after the initial call was made that another GFD medic was available. When it finally arrived to the scene, the mother and newborn were transported to Naval Hospital. The newborn, however, needed CPR enroute. According to Joint Region Marianas Deputy Public Affairs Officer Coleen San Nicolas–Perez the baby boy died, as for his 17-year-old mother she is being discharged from the Naval Hospital today .  San Nicolas says the fire department's medic shortage is an ongoing problem that they are trying to address. Currently there are only three medics serving the entire island, located in Inarajan, Barrigada and Agat. It was in August, an ambulance wasn't available to respond to an 11–year–old girl in need of CPR in Tamuning. At the time there were only three medics working, and the only one available to respond at the time was in Inarajan. A military ambulance ended up picking up the child, but she later died at GMH. According to KUAM archives the last time a new ambulance was purchased for GFD was five years ago. Several medics remain in auto shops across the island waiting for parts and money for repairs.