By Foresee Foundation
Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) started in 1991 as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) volunteer and training organization. Over the years, the group has provided training in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) in addition to providing volunteer EMS services during events such as carnival and Heineken Regatta, working along other EMS organizations, and being part of Emergency Support Function ESF 6 and ESF 7.
Over the last 12 years, WIEMS has gained recognition by the local government as a training institution for Emergency Care, resulting in a memorandum of understanding being signed with the St. Croix Rescue Academy in USVI, making WIEMS an official American Heart Association international training centre.
WIEMS is an EMS training organization geared to provide training in First Aid, CPR/AED, EMR/First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and any related pre-hospital care. WIEMS also provides medical volunteers for events such as Heineken Regatta and St. Maarten Carnival. The organization consists of healthcare professionals and medically trained EMR/EMT volunteers. Courses are open to individuals and organizations.
Recently, the 2021-2024 board was installed. The new board members are Medical Director Dr. Perry Simmons, President Xaviera Jessemay, Secretary Doris Wilson-Dedier, Treasurer Reshma Khudan-Jermin, Public Relations and Vice President Micaela Hart, Education Coordinator Verna Patterson, and Field Commander Merlin Aventurin.
“I am happy to be at the helm of such an illustrious and community-minded organization. WIEMS and our volunteers do so much great work in our community. My hope is that we can continue to provide qualified courses and trained first responders when assistance is needed. We enjoy being deeply involved in our beloved St. Maarten community. My goal over my tenure as president is to create more interaction between WIEMS and the public, as well as innovate and work towards making our dream of building our WIEMS training centre a reality,” said President Jessemay.
What does your organization do and who is your target group?
WIEMS is an EMS training organization geared to provide training in First Aid, CPR/AED, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR/First Responder), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and any related pre-hospital care. They also provide medical volunteers for events such as Heineken Regatta and St. Maarten Carnival. The organization consists of healthcare professionals and medically trained EMR/EMT volunteers.
How does your organization contribute to a better St. Maarten?
Our courses give persons the medical training and confidence to assist in the event of any medical emergencies. We also offer short family-friendly courses to schools and other foundations.
Give an example of activities hosted by your group?
We offer organizations the opportunity to receive demonstrations of CPR/AED use.
What is your message to the community?
Gaining knowledge in CPR/AED/First Aid is very important because you never know if the next life you save is a family member.
How can someone sign up to volunteer or support your organization?
WIEMS membership consists of EMR/EMT volunteers. You can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1 (721) 581-9788; or visit our WIEMS SXM Facebook page or WIEMS.SX on Instagram for more information on becoming a member.
