Rush at KPH following earthquake

At least six students and two members of staff of the Donald Quarrie High School were among the dozens of persons who were rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) for medical attention following yesterday's earthquake.

"Some of our students suffered from the trauma of the earthquake. One in particular fell unconscious for a while so we had to rush her to the hospital and we are waiting for the medical persons to attend to her," said Talbert Weir, principal of the institution. Weir said that experiencing the 5.6 magnitude quake was unforgettable.

"I saw the building swaying. I was on a chair that has wheels and the chair was swinging from left to right. I have heard that some section of the school building has been damaged as well but I am not sure how severe it is as yet," Weir said

Services were suspended at all the clinics and among those affected was an elderly woman whose leg was swollen from an abscess. She said she came to the hospital to have it treated but was unsure if she would be attended to in light of the earthquake's impact. She said she was among the patients inside the hospital who was evacuated from the building.

"I was waiting to see the doctor and the place just started to shake. I had to lean against a wall and just pray. It was frightening but I tried my best to be strong. It was terrible. My foot swell up but I don't think I will get through today because of all the people who a come in sick," she said.

The hospital's accident and emergency department was overwhelmed and saw doctors treating patients on the outside. Visitors were informed by personnel that only emergency cases were being dealt with in light of the situation. More than a dozen porters who were outside the department were kept busy assisting the dozens who were impacted by the quake. Medical staff were seen attending to patients in wheelchairs. The majority of those who showed up at the health facility appeared to have suffered from panic and asthma attacks.