Antigua: 65-year-old stroke victim airlifted to SLBMC by Calvin Air helicopter

A 65-year-old victim was airlifted to SLBMC (Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre), Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda, from Calvin Air Helicopters

2025-08-01 17:36:10

Antigua Airbus EC130 Calvin Air helicopter

PC: Facebook

A 65-year-old victim was airlifted to SLBMC (Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre), Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda, from Calvin Air Helicopters on tuesday. Reportedly, the 65-year-old male passenger was experiencing symptoms of a major stroke while onboard. However, An Airbus EC130 helicopter from the company was dispatched promptly to Barbuda, aiming to transport the victim to the mainland for emergency treatment. Following receiving a distress call from the Hanna Thomas Hospital's Health Department, Codrington, at 4:30 PM. The medical staff immediately operated and landed with the patient at the SLBMC Centre around 5:35 PM. [caption id="attachment_66639" align="aligncenter" width="100%"]

65-year-old airlifted via Airbus EC130 helicopter[/caption] Notably, this was the first medwac by Calvinaire Helicopters performed in 2024. According to the foundation, within just two weeks of 2024, the helicopters have ensured and courageously committed to providing medical emergency evacuation service as mandated by its Chairman, Ambassador Calvin Ayre. Matron Caryl Jones Michael- a member of Hanna Thomas Hospital, expressed her gratitude and thanked CalvinAir Helicopters (CAH) and the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) for their practical and immediate response to the emergency case. Mark Fleming, the CEO of the Calvin Air helicopters and an emergency pilot, responded well to this. He further also assured of standing by and being ready to assist in emergencies if they are known to be critical and time-sensitive to medical evacuations. Jamilla Kirwan- Media Relations Specialist for CAF, said, “The Calvin Ayre Foundation will continue to do its best to serve the nation of Antigua and Barbuda in emergency response, sports and education and social development.” Furthermore, on behalf of the Ayre Group of Companies and Ambassador Calvin Ayre, she wished the patient a speedy recovery.

About Calvin Ayre Foundation

The Calvin Ayre Foundation is a non-governmental organisation founded by a businessman and philanthropist, Calvin Ayre. The founder is dedicated to funding the cost of emergency flights It is a private and independent foundation administered in Antigua, West Indies, committed to doing charitable work worldwide. It is also impacting and strongly influencing the lives of people and communities.

Calvin Air Helicopters

In 2023, the Calvin Air Helicopters were honoured and awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. These are the gold standard in touring helicopters, which come up with various facilities such as combining safety for travellers, comfort and the latest technology. These aircraft promise to provide the ultimate luxury in-flight experience.

Sasha Baptiste

Sasha Baptiste is a dedicated writer focusing on cultural trends, human interest stories, and social movements across the UK and the Caribbean. With a background in sociology and journalism, Sasha’s reporting brings empathy, depth, and clarity to stories that shape today’s society. She is particularly interested in covering diaspora communities and their impact on modern culture.