What seemed like just another trip on route A47 in Havana took a sudden turn when, on the afternoon of Friday, July 4th, a passenger began to faint in the middle of bus 5469. The driver, Dayron, didn't hesitate for a second: he stopped everything and acted with compassion and quickness.
At the height of Avenida Monumental, a man began to complain of severe pain and showed signs of losing consciousness. “Upon noticing the situation, Dayron did not hesitate to act,” highlighted a post in the group Facebook Transportación Habana TH, shared by one of its members, Brian B. Albernis.
"He activated the emergency lights, quickly contacted the emergency medical services, and diverted the unit to the nearest hospital (Naval Hospital). During the journey, he asked the passengers to remain calm and requested that if there was any doctor on board, they should provide first aid so that they could arrive at the emergency room on time," the text described.
He also emphasized that thanks to his quick reaction and the support of some passengers who assisted him, "the man received timely care from the medical staff. Their prompt intervention was crucial in saving his life."
The publication showcases not just a fleeting anecdote, but also highlights that amidst the daily hustle and the overwhelming challenges in Cuba, there is still room for empathy. It reminds us that sometimes, the one behind the wheel can also be the one who holds another's life in the most critical moments.
Although the economic crisis has diminished gestures of solidarity, there are still those who stand out as exceptions. In February 2024, a Cuban grandmother expressed her gratitude on social media to a Havana driver for assisting her daughter during labor.
A similar situation occurred in March of last year when several Cubans thanked a driver in Havana who diverted a bus to assist a passenger. This involved a driver from route 488 who, while on duty, redirected the passenger bus to take an elderly man to the Emergency Services of Julio Trigo Hospital.
Another recognition was given to a driver of the P13 route who diverted the bus to the clinic to help a 10-year-old boy who was having a seizure inside the vehicle.
In addition, a public transport driver from Havana who assisted an elderly woman during the journey of his vehicle received gratitude for his noble action.
The incident occurred in September 2024, when the driver of the bus 707 on route P1 in the Cuban capital "assisted an elderly woman at the hospital 'La Benéfica', from Cuatro Caminos," wrote the user Eliosmy Hernández in the group Facebook "Real-Time Route Report."
In Matanzas, twin brothers César and Yohán Vidal, medical students, have garnered the admiration of several passengers who were waiting at a bus stop, as they stopped with their private car and offered free transportation.
Frequently asked questions about courage and challenges of transportation in Cuba
How did the driver Dayron save a passenger's life in Havana?
The driver Dayron stopped the bus, activated the emergency lights, and diverted the vehicle to the nearest hospital while asking the passengers to remain calm and requesting medical assistance on board. His quick action allowed the passenger to receive timely medical attention, saving his life.
What problems does public transportation in Cuba face that affect road safety?
Public transportation in Cuba faces multiple issues that impact road safety, such as the deterioration of the vehicle fleet, lack of proper maintenance, and the recklessness of some drivers. These factors contribute to the high incidence of accidents, where human error is a factor in 91% of the accidents.
What examples of solidarity and empathy have stood out recently in Cuban transportation?
Despite the economic crisis, there have been notable examples of solidarity in Cuban transportation, such as drivers who divert their routes to take passengers to hospitals or who return lost items to their owners. These acts of kindness demonstrate that empathy and humanity still prevail amidst difficulties.
What measures are suggested to improve road safety and transportation efficiency in Cuba?
To improve road safety and transportation efficiency in Cuba, measures such as a thorough review of the state of interprovincial transport, increased technical controls on the most demanding routes, and the implementation of strict penalties for reckless drivers are suggested.
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