Paramedics' vacation could turn to work as they hunker down in Jamaica, await Hurricane Melissa

One year ago, Wayne and Bridgette Todd were newlyweds, celebrating their wedding surrounded by family and friends.

Now, one year later, the couple from North Carolina is spending their first anniversary hunkered down in Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, heads straight for the island.

The Todds flew to Jamaica less than a week ago, staying at the Sandals Negril resort. What started as a relaxing getaway quickly turned into something far more stressful.

“We’re internally screaming a little bit but trying to remain as calm as possible,” said Bridgette.

Wayne said the trip started out perfectly. 

“We had about three, three and a half days here that everything was going great. That’s when they start hearing about the storm coming in,” he said.

The couple tried to rebook, to return home earlier than planned, but that flight was canceled almost immediately. They’ve got another flight home booked on Wednesday, but they aren’t sure if they will be able to get home then either. 

“We don’t know what road conditions are gonna be like for us to even make it to the airport, let alone if the airport is even going to be open,” Bridgette said.

The Todds said the resort has been communicative about the status of the storm and has prepared in a number of ways. 

“They’re keeping us stocked up with water bottles and refreshments, extra linens and stuff in case anything floods, and then they assured us that they’re going to keep us fed to the best of their abilities, as long as it’s safe,” Bridgette said.

Despite the frightening situation, the Todds believe there may be a reason they’re there.

“With us both being paramedics and having the training, we’re hoping maybe we’re able to help other people. (We) may put that to use if needed to, and if it’s safe for us to do so,” Bridgette explained.

Still, they’re hoping it doesn’t come to that, and that they’ll be able to fly home to North Carolina as soon as it’s safe.

The couple said they’ve been overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and even strangers.

“We are very thankful for the amount of prayers and love and thoughts that we’ve gotten. We’ve received messages from so many people, people that we don’t even know about. You know, they’re giving us tips on what to prepare for, and they’re just telling us that they’re, you know, [keeping us in] their thoughts and prayers,” Bridgette said.