I am writing on behalf of my family to express our deepest gratitude to the team of first responders and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room staff who provided exceptional care in what could have been a fatal medical emergency last week. Because of their skill, speed and compassion, Ann Akins (wife, sister, stepmother, Auntie, Gigi and cat whisperer) is alive and in recovery today.

EMTs appeared in downtown Edgartown at a moment’s notice and transported Ann to MVH with what we later found out was a ruptured brain aneurysm. A special thank you to the EMT Chief who played such an incredibly crucial role, essentially bringing her back to life in the back of the ambulance. The expertise and speed with which the EMTs and ER staff were able to assess and manage the situation allowed Ann to be flown via MedFlight to Brigham & Women’s Hospital in record time, where she immediately underwent life-saving procedures and continues to make a miraculous recovery today.

We will never be able to thank the team enough for what they have done for Ann and our family, and what they continue to do for the community each and every day. They are true heroes.

The Akins Family

Hampton, N.H.