A routine mosquito control property inspection in Grand Cayman led to a medical emergency on July 13, 2026, when Mosquito Research and Control Unit Disease Prevention Officer VonDante Leslie noticed, a resident was struggling to breathe and called for help. Leslie contacted emergency services and remained by her side until the ambulance arrived.

Ms. Viv said the incident made her think about how quickly a medical emergency can escalate, and about the value of staying calm.

Routine visit led to a call for help

Leslie was carrying out inspection work in the community when he noticed that Ms. Viv appeared unwell. He recognised that she was having difficulty breathing and understood that she needed urgent medical attention.

Ms. Viv said she believed the outcome could have been very different if Leslie had not arrived when he did. She said she was alone at the time and that his decision to stay until help arrived gave her comfort as well as practical support.

“I was quite ill, and he noticed that I wasn't breathing well at all,” she said. “He insisted that he wasn't going to leave until the ambulance arrived because no one else was there with me. Had he not turned up when he did, things could have gone much worse.”

Ms Viv said what stood out to her most was the care Leslie showed throughout the incident, including the time he spent with her before the paramedics arrived.

In the days that followed, Leslie checked on her wellbeing and asked how she was recovering. Ms. Viv said that the follow-up meant a great deal to her and showed that his concern did not end when the emergency crew took over.

“It made me feel so proud to be able to speak with him again and tell him how much I appreciated what he did,” she said. “It showed that he genuinely cared.”

Ms. Viv said she also understood, from her own CPR training, how important it was for people to recognise when someone may be having a medical emergency. She said Leslie had noticed that something was wrong before the situation became more serious.

“It is so important for people to have this kind of training,” she said. “My situation could have gone much worse. He recognised that something wasn't right before it became even more serious.”

MRCU says staff are trained to respond

MRCU said Leslie had been trained in first aid, CPR and AED use, and that staff could be called on to respond if they came across medical emergencies while on duty. The department also said it was proud of his actions.

“While our staff are best known for protecting public health through mosquito control and prevention activities, this incident highlights another important aspect of public service, caring for the people we serve,” said Dr. Wheeler. “Mr. Leslie recognised that someone in our community needed help, took action, and stayed with her until she was safely in the care of medical professionals. We are incredibly proud of him.”

Dr. Wheeler said MRCU staff received training in First Aid, CPR and AED use as part of the department’s commitment to public safety and preparedness. He said that training helped officers respond when they came across emergencies while carrying out regular duties in the community.

“This is a wonderful example of what people-centred public service looks like in practice,” he said. “Mr. Leslie was carrying out his regular duties when he recognised that a member of our community needed help. His actions reflect the values we strive to uphold as public servants and demonstrate how government employees can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

A reminder of public service beyond the job description

For Leslie, the recognition mattered less than the result. He said he was simply doing what he hoped anyone would do in that situation and that his main concern was making sure Ms. Viv received the help she needed.

“I was simply doing what I hope anyone would do in that situation,” he said. “When I realised something wasn't right, my focus was on making sure she received the assistance she needed. I'm grateful she is doing better and wish her all the best.”