Joint Project of Swiss NGO and AMEDICAusa, Inc.
takes equipment to Santa Cruz Muluá, Guatemala
A Swiss non-profit, Ambulance4Guatemala, and AMEDICAusa, a non-profit headquartered in Frederick, Maryland have teamed up in an effort to provide donated emergency equipment and supplies to firefighters in Guatemala. A used ambulance, stocked with medical supplies, is now on its way to the small city of Santa Cruz Muluá in western Guatemala where it will serve two different municipalities and the small villages that surround them. About 30,000 families or roughly 100,000 people live in the area, most are impoverished.
AMBULANCE4GUATEMALA in New Jersey with unit bound for Guatemala
The Swiss group, Sara Berhend, an attorney, Dr. Claudine Moser, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Pierre Martin are delivering the ambulance by driving it over 3000 miles to Guatemala. They raised most of the money for the purchase of the ambulance and travel expenses from private donors in Europe and combined efforts with AMEDICAusa who works closely with Guatemala’s fire services to provide equipment and training throughout the country.
Medical Supplies loaded onto the ambulance at AMEDICAusa in Frederick, Maryland
AMEDICAusa provided additional funds for the purchase of the ambulance, filled it with donated medical supplies, and provided technical expertise as well as assistance in selecting the recipient departments in Guatemala.
The Swiss team travelled from Zürich to New Jersey where they picked up the ambulance and began their travels, first to Frederick, Maryland. There they loaded the vehicle with emergency medical equipment and supplies at AMEDICAusa’s headquarters, then continued their journey toward Guatemala. They expect to arrive in Guatemala before August 20th.
Ambulance and team continue on their way to Guatemala
Ambulance donation enables unique solution for two cities
“There are two cities involved here,” said Neale Brown, President of AMEDICAusa. “One, Santa Cruz Muluá, had a small Fire Department already in service and some experience with running an ambulance. Unfortunately, their old ambulance has broken down leaving them with nothing. The neighboring city, San Felipe, had previously approached AMEDICAusa about starting a Fire Department in their municipality, but are just now starting the construction of their Fire Station, and they are not ready for the equipment yet.” Neither department had yet acquired a fire engine and depend on bucket brigades and help from distant cities for fire protection.
AMEDICAusa with city and fire dept. officials in Santa Cruz Muluá, Guatemala
“When the question came up about who should get the ambulance, we saw an opportunity to broker a deal with the two cities to enable us to serve a great many more people.” Said Brown, who has just returned from a series of meetings in Guatemala.
“We had already committed to assisting San Felipe with starting a fire department and had acquired a fire engine for them. Our initial thought was that the ambulance would go there as well. The problem was that the station is not yet built nor have they hired the firefighters and medics to staff it. We really didn’t want the ambulance to sit in the elements unused in the interim. While visiting the area, we became aware that Muluá had the opposite problem. They had the firefighters and a small station, but no ambulance.
The Church at San Felipe, Guatemala
So, we met with the Mayors and Fire Chiefs, and arrived at a solution. The ambulance will go to Muluá, and they will use it to respond to both cities, beginning immediately. When the fire engine is ready, it and the accompanying rescue equipment will go to San Felipe, who will in turn cover Muluá.
Fire Engine for being readied for donation to San Felipe, Guatemala
AMEDICAusa will be providing joint training to both departments as well, so they can work together effectively.”
While such “mutual aid” agreements are fairly commonplace within the United States, they are rare in Central America.
I want to thank the leaders of this great organization. I am a US citizen, born in a small town in Guatemala, San Pedro Pinula, Jalapa. I visit my home town once or twice each year, it is with great sadness to see so much poverty. I have been trying to give back to the community simple things that I can afford in order to fight poverty, Use clothes, Shoes, jackets, Etc. I also contribute to fund for kids education. Last time I went to visit my home town, I met the major of this small town and he approached me to tell me that they are in much need of an Ambulance as well. I would like to find out if you can provide me with any information that can lead me to search for such donation, I can see that it will be a great charity giving to such a poor community. If you can guide me, or point me to any organization that can help out, I would really appreciated it. My home town will really appreciate it. Thanks a million.
Ricardo, just send us a message using the contact us page and we will look into helping out .