This thread isn't being hijacked at all. I think Fred would want something positive to come out of his unfortunate death.

Now on to "locals". I assume by that term most here are thinking of poor folks living in shacks. What about the wealthy "locals"? There are many of them. What is their responsibility to improve the emergency healthcare on the island? If I owned a major business or hotel/condo development I think it would be my responsibility to help out. After all it is my life, or my family, friends or employees and guests that are at risk.

When a tourist in my town (and we get WAY more visitors than San Pedro) uses the local EMS they get free paramedic care from the FD and pay for the ambulance ride. We don't tax all of them upon arrival. My taxes pay for that service.

I think a great way to solve this problem is to meet with the local folks that are involved in the North and South Neighborhood Watch Comittees to see what their ideas and what is needed are. Then put the collective heads together of the folks here with EMS and medical training along with the island medical pros. Take inventory of what is available equipment and personnel wise. Address those items needed and training required. After a good idea is formulated present it to the GOB and the local business community for funding ideas.

A tourist ( I should say most) won't have a problem paying a nominal fee for EMS service provided. A proper system would be able to bill an insurance carrier directly. A "locals" payment could be worked out also.