Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson has called for both Emergency Medical technicians (EMTs) and highly trained paramedics in ambulances.

The UBP MP said the death of Norman Palmer, a 57-year-old asthmatic who died in April while awaiting a potentially life-saving tracheotomy, brought to light this very serious concern.

In a press confernce Mrs. Jackson praised the work of the current EMTs, but said their efforts should be backed-up by highly trained paramedics and proper equipment to ensure quality care.

She said: "The situation (Mr. Palmer's death) brought into sharp focus the need to make sure we have the medical equipment at hand to meet an emergency.

"But it also shed light on the fact that Bermuda does not have trained paramedics manning its ambulance service. This is an area that needs to be strengthened.

"The EMTs who man our ambulances do a fine job, but there is clearly a need to reinforce their efforts with more highly trained and well equipped paramedics."

It was in April this year when Mr. Palmer complained of struggling for breath and an ambulance was called for him from his Tee Street, Paget home.

His family alleges that the ambulance took almost 20 minutes to retrieve Mr. Palmer and take him to the hospital in a trip that should only take minutes.

He later died at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the long-term resident wanted his body flown to his native England for burial.

It was examined by a UK Coroner, who decided an earlier assessment by Bermuda's Coroner was unsatisfactory and a second investigation into Mr. Palmer's death was necessary.

In his notes the UK Coroner revealed that the ambulance crew had been informed before picking up Mr. Palmer that a tracheotomy — an incision in the neck to provide a direct airway — would need to be performed.

However, the UK Coroner indicated that this procedure, which could have saved his life, was not done.

Furthermore the UK Coroner, upon receiving the body, discovered that many of his body parts were missing including two-thirds of the brain, a kidney, and his spleen.

Mr. Palmer was not an organ donor.

Bermuda Hospitals Board has declined to comment on the case, stating that a Police investigation was underway.

However, a spokesperson said an American consultant was here last week to conduct a review of the Island's emergency response providers.

She added: "Last week, BHB arranged an island-wide needs assessment of Bermuda's emergency medical response process, carried out by Stratus, which is part of the Partners HealthCare System.

"Stratus interviewed BHB as well as other emergency providers. They also reviewed our ability to provide EMTs with paramedic training on-Island through an advanced simulation lab.

"We are awaiting the results of the assessment and look forward to updating the community about future plans."