The JAHJAH foundation along with CAT BLACK 669, the alumni association of the Israeli Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Unit have partnered to work with local communities in North West Jamaica to assist with pre-hospital emergency ambulatory care. Today, in the city of Negril and the surrounding area there is an inadequate ambulatory service for the local population. In our research, we have found that for the over 200,000 residents of the North-Western region of Jamaica centered around the city of Negril as well as the over 400,000 tourists who visit the region annually. In an emergency life-threatening situation, there are limited resources currently in place that could be called to provide effective care within a prescribed amount of time.
The JAHJAH Foundation has consistently shown its commitment to improving Jamaican society through infrastructure and awareness projects surrounding the medical field. They have achieved major success globally in bringing foreign medical personnel to Jamaica to bring premier care to the region. The impetus for this project stems from the JAHJAH Foundation's care for the people of Jamaica.
Beginning in September 2019, a delegation of four paramedics from Unit 669 was sent from Israel to Negril with certifying 22 local EMT's trained both as caregivers and emergency vehicle drivers. This team of 22 EMT's was the inaugural class of trained medical personnel who learned to serve the people of Negril and the surrounding area with all their pre-hospital emergency medical needs. These certified EMTs are be employed by the Negril Chamber of Commerce and will conduct 24-hour shift work. They respond to emergency calls and safely bring victims to local medical centers while administering life-saving pre-hospital care.
Primary Goal
To improve access to pre-hospital care in North West Jamaica to improve the lives of its residents and tourists
Secondary Goals
Promote the local economy and through medical-vocational education
Strengthen the local community
Educate and promote community-specific public health strategies
Training Resources
Highly trained medical personnel from Unit 669, designated for the mission
Emergency medical training curriculum development
Transportation of Unit 669 instructors from Israel to Jamaica
Room and board for instructional staff for the duration of the courses
Recruiting local residents for the course
Operational Resources
1 modified emergency with a future commitment of a second for rescue and evacuation to local hospitals
Unit 669 is Israel’s premier search and rescue unit specializing in administering advanced life-saving treatment for soldiers and civilians in the harshest conditions around the globe. Unit 669 was founded in 1974, with its initial mandate to extract and provide initial medical treatment to downed pilots beyond enemy lines. However, in later years the unit's missions have increased and today, rescue over 800 victims annually. Aside from their military training they soldiers go through a two-year paramedics course where they learn advanced medical treatments.
Central command station with dispatching capabilities
Living quarters to house on-call EMT’s
Financial and Logistical Issues
Long term budgeting for salaries and equipment maintenance
Worker's incentives
Medical insurance as operational liability insurance
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Founder and Director: J.Sam Meyer and Guy Melamed
Instructors: Adin Pellow, Ori Sheflan, Dave Cohen, Alon Ben Tzvi