Erminy could not be resuscitated

THE EASTERN Regional Health Authority (ERHA) has detailed medical care provided to University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) assistant professor and National Drama Association (NDATT) president Edwin Erminy who drowned at Grande Riviere Beach on Monday.

Gareth Jenkins who tried to save the 59 year-old Venezuelan production designer, criticised the “casual and cruel indifference” of health officials. Jenkins expressed concern at the delay in a doctor arriving at the scene including the doctor’s slow pace on the beach.

“Maybe if the doctor got there on time it would not have made a difference. But at least try. Show some value of human life,” he told Newsday during an interview for a story which was published yesterday.

In a video shared with Newsday, the person behind the camera claimed it was “two hours” before the doctor arrived and when he reached, the doctor took his time walking on the sand. The ERHA in a release yesterday expressed “deepest sympathy” to Erminy’s family and friends. The release referenced Newsday’s article yesterday as it outlined details which were revealed from the RHA’s investigation.

“The medical team at the Grande Riviere Out-Reach Health Centre was alerted by a community member that there was a possible drowning incident on the beach nearby. The doctor advised to bring the patient immediately as all equipment and meds were available at the centre and the team quickly activated the resuscitation area.

“On noting the patient was not brought to the centre with time passing, the doctor proceeded to the beach where the incident was taking place. He was shouted at by some by-standers as he tried walking in soft sand under foot. On arrival, the doctor sought information on how long the person was under water but got no information.

“He immediately started CPR, noting that the patient was already pulseless and cyanotic (bluish skin discoloration). He requested that the waiting ambulance transfer the patient to the facility and continued compressions in the ambulance. On arrival at the Centre Advance Cardiac Life Support was continued but unfortunately the patient could not be resuscitated. Again the ERHA extends our condolences.”

UTT President Professor Sarim Al-Zubaidy said he heard the news recently after returning from overseas. “It was a very unfortunate start of the new year. To have something like that happen is very tragic. I am extremely disheartened for his family and friends and people who worked with him for a number of years.” He said the university is willing to assist with any arrangements for him. “We take care of our own.”

NDATT in a statement said it is deeply saddened at Erminy’s sudden death and extended condolences to his husband Raymer Diaz, also an association member.

NDATT vice president and UTT colleague Marvin Ishmael said “the arts community in TT has lost a friend, advocate, amazing designer and a man who had a vision for the design fraternity of this country. Humble in his day to day life, he demonstrated exquisite skill in his design concepts with the capacity to always see outside the box.” A memoriam was scheduled to be held for Erminy last night at The Big Black Box, Woodbrook.