On Sunday May 6th the NEEON Foundations EMS Benefit Cruise ended when the Enchantment of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) returned to Ft. Lauderdale after 7 days in the eastern Caribbean. The cruise visited the islands of St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau. By all accounts the cruise was a success. Twenty-two people from the US, Canada, and the UK went on the cruise in support of the NEEON Foundation.

The NEEON Foundation is a non-profit (501-c-3) established to conduct research and educational activity related to improving emergency medical services. The EMS Benefit Cruise was the foundations first major fund-raising effort. The cruise netted approximately $3500 for the foundation.

The NEEON Foundation provided 10 hours of continuing education for EMS professionals during the cruise. Topics covered included: “Stress and the Cardiovascular System” presented by Dr Kathryn Brinsfield of the Boston Medical Center; “Contemporary Overdose Recognition and Management - Club Drugs” and “Marine Toxicology” by Dr Sophia Dyer of the Boston Medical Center; “Cardiac A&P” and “Fluids and Electrolytes” by Ed Fowler EMT-P of Worcester EMS.

Kevin Crane, NEEON Foundation President, stated that while the numbers were short of expectations, the cruise did generate revenue for the foundation. The cruise provided a nice combination of opportunities to join the group for activities or spend some truly relaxing quality time apart from the group. “We were pampered from the beginning in a wonderful environment, got a little continuing education, and raised a few dollars for the foundation, it was terrific!” Crane also stated that the feedback from those that went on the cruise was so positive that he is already planning a second EMS Benefit Cruise for the spring of 2002.

For more information about the NEEON Foundation visit www.emsbenefit.com, or write the NEEON Foundation at: 9-11 Shetland St, Boston, MA 02118.

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