Emergency & Transport service training

The Central Highland communities of Guatemala face an overwhelming need for better access to emergency facilities and life support systems. But due to the logistics and underdeveloped road systems in and out of these rural areas, difficult challenges contribute to the high mortality rates familiar with these communities. There is one paved road that connects 5 rural communities with access up and out to the closest hospital, 1-3/4 hours away. It is necessary that some form of system be developed here.

Transportation options include public or private boat services across the lake 9-12 km, pickup trucks or private vehicles, local police truck (rarely), to often not affordable by the indigenous. The Mayan community has voiced their concerns and need to have access to affordable transportation, proper training and equipment necessary for the survival of their families. Many deaths could be avoided with the help of an ambulance or community vehicle.
Currently we offer in-clinic-training sessions, of basic life support ( CPR ), first responder and first aide. Our rural Midwives and other auxiliary persons, assist the community in times of emergency and illness. They are usually minimally trained if at all and have little access to equipment and medical materials. We provide hands on training, medical supplies, consultation, and at times, monetary aide to these indigenous volunteers.

As of May 2006, a new ambulance arrived and is servicing our communities emergancy transports. This volunteer ambulance service now aids with our 5 shoreline communities. Clinicas Maya along with your donations have assisted the small rural clinic that houses the ambulance just 5 KM away.

Clinicas Maya believes that with available resources, training and equipment (i.e. Ambulance, 24 hr. call station and volunteers), these communities can better care for their families and future generations. Your donations of funds,medical supplies and equipment, are still needed to insure the continuing success of this service.