150 / 494
149
7.47.
He replied:
“We had no such contemplation. We planned to do an
operation that would allow us to arrest those that were
breaking the law, execute the warrant on Mr. Coke and with
the least harm to the civilian population. We did not
contemplate that anyone would be injured or killed.”
However, DCP Hinds said that he did “factor into plans medical assistance for
injured persons”. Amplifying that evidence, he said –
“We developed a medical plan. That was largely the
responsibility of the JDF. The plan was to have an
arrangement with hospitals to receive persons who were
injured; persons who required immediate care. The persons
with first aid training would be able to administer there. And
there was also a plan to evacuate persons who needed
medical attention. We identified what we considered a safe
corridor to evacuate persons to hospitals for medical case.”
7.48.
ACP Blake’s evidence under cross-examination by Mrs. Mayhew was
to this effect:
“We factored in the use of ambulances and police vehicles to
assist with injured persons. We had police ambulances. I
was surprised to see dead bodies on 26 May. I did not
contemplate the high number of deaths. Overall the whole
medical system was not equipped to deal with the injured
and dead.”
(b)
The JDF
7.49.
The plan of the JDF as expressed through Operation Garden Parish
made clear and definite provision for casualties. We saw the JDF’s medical plan.
The main components of the plan were, in summary:
•
to have JDF paramedical personnel administer first aid to
injured persons at the place where the injury occurred;
•
to evacuate persons who needed greater or additional
medical attention;
•
to arrange for KPH and UHWI to receive injured persons;