An alarming situation involving an elderly couple seeking an emergency medical airlift evacuation on the sister island of Anegada could have resulted in the worst, after the couple had to wait in excess of nine hours before being transported to Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital on Tortola.
Husband 93-year-old Darvin Potter relived the chain of events which occurred last Friday, after his 88-year-old wife Evelyn Potter suffered a stroke while at home on Anegada.
According to Potter, after observing that his wife was not her normal self late Thursday, the husband decided to take Mrs. Potter to the Nurse Romalia Smith Clinic early Friday morning around 6am.
Assessments proved that Mrs. Potter needed an emergency medical evacuation to Tortola to be better treated for her illness.
Mr. Potter in an interview with 284News retold what occurred on that worrisome Friday.
Mr. Potter said that after several hours and various communication between local government officials and the air transportation company in the United States Virgin Islands, the monies needed to secure the transportation was paid in full by the government.
Potter also expressed the extreme levels of anxiousness and nerves that were permeating through him and close family during the more than 9 hours that his wife remained on Anegada.
He said after waiting from around 6am, the couple landed on Tortola sometime after 3pm in the afternoon.
284News also reached out to the Minister for Health Honourable Carvin Malone who was aware of the situation.
The minister did disclose that the companies which are contracted with the BVI Government to provide the airlift service are presently undergoing maintenance upgrades, hence the disruption of services as of recent.
He said his government was working to ensure that there is a regular airlift service available for the sister islands of Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.
Tune into our 7pm newscast for the full detailed story and at 8pm for the full 45 minute interview where Mr. Potter discuss the airlift situation and the land issues on Anegada.