Vaz orders investigation after visitor dies at airport in Montego Bay

By Clinton McGregor/Lorraine Mendez    

 

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances which led to the death of a Jamaican visitor to the island on Wednesday at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.

 

The passenger, 71-year-old Leroy Smith, was returning to the United States after visiting his family when he collapsed at the baggage counter and later died.

 

A female passenger, who said she witnessed the event, accused the management of the airport of failing to render the required medical attention to the distressed passenger, and believes this led to his death.

 

In a video, which has gone viral, the passenger said it took more than 20 minutes for a nurse or official of the airport to arrive to render assistance to the ailing passenger who fell and hit his head.

 

According to the passenger, the situation worsened when an official at the airport arrived on the scene.

 

She said she and a nurse were on the phone with Mr. Smith's family when an airport official turned up and made it clear that they would have pay US$400 for an ambulance service to move him.

 

The woman, who became emotional, blasted the airline and personnel at Sangster International Airport for failing to help the ailing passenger. 

 

"He was there now...telling the JetBlue lady to tell the person on the phone, that the single ambulance that is at Cornwall Regional is not available. And for them to call a private ambulance, the person on the phone has to approve the payment of US$400. They have to confirm that it's okay for them to call the ambulance and noting the payment of US$400." 

 

"So I said, we have to wait for them to do that to get help for the man? The man need help, I saw the man [gasp]; I never see somebody [gasp], or what they call it, catch breath in my entire life, first time I'm seeing it, right? And the man was gapping, elderly man. And I'm saying, come on man, that is how we do things here? The man stayed right there on the floor and died. The man died on the floor... because people gonna talk about you have to get approval to call a ambulance," said the woman in the viral video as she fought back tears.

 

Speaking with Radio Jamaica News, Minister Vaz said he is disturbed by the account of the eyewitness. 

 

"I have seen and heard...the video and the report that was made that has gone viral. I've also seen and heard other messages from other passengers that were around. So the MBJ Airport has a contractual arrangement with Hospiten in relation to providing medical services, which include ambulances. My understanding when I asked is that they have access to up to seven ambulances. And the proximity from Hospiten to Montego Bay airport is not that far," he sought to explain. 

 

Mr. Vaz said he did not want to prejudge, and is awaiting further information on the timelines in relation to the incident. 

 

"I've gotten a preliminary report and I've seen the viral video, but I have requested specific information, which will guide me in relation to the times and whether those times of response were acceptable," he said. 

 

 

In the meantime, MBJ Airports, the operator of Sangster International Airport, said it immediately operated its emergency response protocols once it became aware of the passenger in medical distress.

 

In a media release on Friday, MBJ Airports said on-site medical personnel arrived within minutes to provide care to the ailing passenger and an ambulance was called to the scene.

 

It said throughout the incident, airport staff worked diligently to coordinate with external emergency services while ensuring the privacy and dignity of those involved.

 

According to MBJ Airports, Sangster International maintains a dedicated private healthcare provider which ensures certified medical practitioners are on site to provide rapid response to medical emergencies. It says the provider also supplies ambulance services to the airport.

 

The airport has expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Smith, adding that it is offering support to airport staff and others affected by the incident.