Medical Evacuation on Odyssey of the Seas | 12.16

[asquared17]

our captain got on the PA this morning around 9 or 10 to tell us that we may have noticed that we’ve been traveling at full speed since last night — and will continue to do so until we get back into US waters, as we have a passenger whose medical needs have exceeded the abilities of the crew here on odyssey. 

he provided an update around 5pm (as promised) to let us know they would be closing the shops and casino around 7:15, as we were expected to reach the miami sea buoy around 8:30 to transfer the passenger needing assistance. we will not go into the port, but will be met instead by the fire department (seemed a bit odd for the fire department to be in the ocean, but apparently this is the way it works?)

we will still make port everglades at 6am tomorrow for scheduled disembarkation.

thoughts and prayers going out to the passenger and their family impacted by this. i hope they will be okay. 

[bluer101]

Just watched it on the port of Miami PTZ camera. The patient will be transferred to University of Miami Hospital. 

[asquared17]

we were able to see the fire department pull alongside and we were all cheering as they carefully sailed off with the passenger safely in tow. 

my voom is too slow to upload video now but hug your loved ones extra tight tonite. 

[asquared17]

here is the fire department pulling up to meet us. 

[bluer101]

They evacuated the patient off the starboard side of the ship 180 degrees due south.  

[asquared17]

video since i finally am back home with real internet 

 

 

 

[asquared17]

and as they sailed away and we cheered! 

 

 

[CrimsonCruiser]

My thoughts to the patient and their family. I can only imagine they opted for the Fire Department because it was urgent and they have EMTs who can treat the patient enroute

[teddy]

I work with someone who is on the fire department of a coastal town. and they respond to on the water medical emergencies with their boat since they are equipped for immediate life saving as well as evacuation, just like when they respond with an ambulance or rescue vehicle on land.

Interestingly enough, my coworker hates boats and seems to always end up on those calls.

[asquared17]

6 hours ago, CrimsonCruiser said:

My thoughts to the patient and their family. I can only imagine they opted for the Fire Department because it was urgent and they have EMTs who can treat the patient enroute

we were concerned as we were unsure of the severity and if they would airlift by helicopter. since it occurred after we left labadee, the captain was able to tell us that we were sailing full speed for the next 12+ hours. it sounded like that they had gotten the patient stable enough to manage about a day and a half of care until we were met by the fire department, once we were back in US waters outside of miami.

the captain was so warm and comforting to all on board, you could tell his priority was to make sure all conditions were met to the utmost levels for all passengers aboard including the family affected by the medical evacuation.  

while we were unable to see the patient transferred directly — for which i was grateful, as it afforded a level of privacy — it was so heartwarming when everyone was cheering and supporting as they drove off. 

it was my first witnessed medical evacuation and like you, my heart goes out to them. hoping they have had a swift recovery.