First Aid Training

Contrary to popular belief, Belize is not as civilized as the media has many people thinking. It's not full of luscious jungle, beautiful beaches and romantic island get aways.  The government here is very primitive and very little here is "nationalized."  This is the case with the emergency system here in Guinea Grass.  Our church has and operates the only ambulance in the village.  We serve about 4,000 people, all free of charge.  Currently there is only one registered EMT living here in the village.

We were blessed last week to have four registered EMT's from Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada with us.  Among them was a certified Red Cross/EMT who has been teaching First Aid for about 10 years. Over a 100 kids and teachers from the local schools were trained in First Aid/CPR in a week long class.  The evenings were opened up to working adults and teenagers interested in helping with the ambulance service. Working with the Orange Walk Red Cross office, we were able to certify over 36 people in First Aid/CPR.  Future First Responders classes are in the works to help further the medical response teams now created.

My roommates holding the Ambulance service banner for the local independence parade.  

Bought and maintained 100% by donations. 

Practicing on placing a victim in the recovery position.  

Demonstrating and practicing placing victims on a stretcher.

  

A little after class antics -- this group decided to try a group heimlich. 

Practicing CPR on dummies brought in by the Canadian EMT's. 

Three of the four EMT instructors demonstrating proper techniques for splinting broken legs or other lower body injuries.    

Some of our village teens practicing proper splinting using some pre-prepared splints brought in for the training.

Some of the students having a little fun with EMT instructor Donny Taylor. 

"Um, excuse me Sir, but I think this person is missing the rest of his body."

Bishop Tim Joiner practicing CPR. 

My roommates Korena and Chelsea being put through some simulated scenarios.  Here Korena demonstrates First Aid for an impaled object to the eye.   

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Thank you so much to the Canada group for the time, money and effort you put into helping make our community a safer and better one! We are forever indebted to you!!