Medical Resources Are Critically Low!

Guatemala continues to battle through the consequences of back to back tropical storms. Resources are extremely low for the bomberos who are focused on helping their communities recover and rebuild. Can you help by providing funds for medical supplies and fuel costs?

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=q7nteqdab&v=0012ndadPBmR-IE52nPMomKA6ToL49_Nevc8lVIU_HUxyb7_RY1YFibFto0O0D5cnthaxZ-38KyBIK4OhHYBN24i4Av1KFUIC1TsNYT45trkZt7-AwcI40PYO7CQcyZlJsk6WWIESTddjs%3D

Day 3-5

Day three we started off with our rope rescue class. By 8 o’clock firefighters from Santiago Atitlan and San Juan converged on our station ready to learn the basic ins and outs of rope rescue. Class began by classroom instruction on basic knots needed for the day. We then moved to a rotation station mode for instruction on belay lines to lower rescuers, basic anchors and how to secure a patient to a stokes litter for extrication. Then we brought each of the students together and demonstrated how to put together the 3:1 mechanical advantage rope system.

The weather held up well during this portion. Many sunburns were attained during this section of the class.

The BRAVE Foundation provided lunch for each of the instructors and students. Following lunch we relocated up to a mountain road to place all the components together in a few basic scenarios.

After arriving at our location, two stations were set up. On to work on lowering a rescuer with a figure of eight plate and another to lower rescuers to a victim with a brake bar rack and raise with the 3:1 system. We were able to perform 3 separate scenarios placing different firefighters in the different positions to experience the rescue with different perspective and experience.

Again the weather held out until the completion of the course. As we began putting away the equipment the rain started. And not just a little bit of rain; essentially we were hit by a torrential downfall of rain.

During this rain, Adam Rosenlund and Brian Schleicher took advantage of the weather and went swimming in the lake. It is an incredible experience to be in a jungle mountain lake like Atitlan during such rainfall.

Day four found us traveling the local towns attempting to purchase various pieces of equipment to finalize the details on the AV training system. We were unable to locate any of the cables we needed but were able to find a perfect cabinet to house all the equipment. We also began painting different areas of the station.

Day five we continued our painting projects. Finishing the border trim around the station. It also held the first driving class for Paulina. Paulina, one of the full time staff of the station has never learned to drive. Adam Rosenlund took her out for her first driving class. Driving was slow and essentially stopped anytime another vehicle came by the ambulance. San Juan is a very hilly town and there is little to no flat open areas to learn the basic driving practices. Paulina did well and may well soon drive faster than 5 mph.

Day 2 - Class day

Day two found us taking all our equipment over to San Juan by boat and by back. We spent the day putting together the AV equipment for the training room. Troubleshooting the equipment and realizing which adapters are also needed for all the capabilities of the system.

Final preparations were also confirmed for tomorrow’s rope rescue class. Beginning at 8 am, we will begin teaching anchors, break bar rack belaying and basic ropes and knots in rotating stations. We will then take the entire class through a basic 3:1 mechanical advantage system step by step on the ground.

Following this classroom instruction we will be moving to a location along the mountain road where they have had accidents before and performing a scenario with a live victim, thereby, putting all their new skills into practice.

February Rope Rescue class trip

Our team has arrived…. Though each flight was affected by weather and other delays, each of the team members arrived within 24 hours of original estimated time of arrival.

After we arrived in Guatemala we immediately drove to Atitlan. Travel down the steep winding mountain roads reminded us of how important our work is here. It was difficult to even sit in a comfortable vehicle. It is unimaginable to think of trying to treat a patient while driving a pickup or ambulance up and down these roads.

We have made our plans for this trip. Though they are often subject to change at any moment, which is to be expected on trips like this.

Today will include classroom setup and preparations for tomorrow’s class. The Parkland/Spanaway Rotary donated AV equipment for the training room in San Juan la Laguna. This will allow instructors to bring a laptop and plug in to the system. Images will be projected onto the wall for the entire class to enjoy. This will bring this training room to the level we have become accustomed to in the States.

Ambulances and Supplies Headed for Guatemala

On the road again..... Two more ambulances loaded with fire fighting and EMS equipment and supplies are on the way to Guatemala.

An ambulance donated by East Pierce Fire & Rescue will become part of the new fire company at the airport in Guatemala City.

A 2nd ambulance donated by South Pierce Fire & Rescue will be used by a new clinic in Monterrico, Guatemala.

Firefighting gear and medical supplies donated by various fire departments and medical groups were packed in to each ambulance and will make a big difference in the Guatemalan communities.

Thank you to all of our generous donors for making this possible!

We Need Your Help in Guatemala!

PROJECT DATES - NOVEMBER 8-18, 2009: the next work party is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala on November 8th to complete the fire station in San Juan La Laguna. We are coordinating a group of volunteers to help with tile floors, cabinets, painting and finishing electrical work. (no experience necessary) We hope to host a community celebration at that time.

If you are interested in participating, contact us at http://www.bravefoundation.org/ or bravefoundation@gmail.com.

First Annual Golf Tournament a Great Success!

The first annual BRAVE Foundation Golf Tournament held on August 11th was a big success. It poured down rain early in the morning but it didn't put a damper on the turn out and enthusiasm. We made lots of new friends and had a fabulous time....all while raising nearly $5500 to benefit BRAVE Foundation programs in Guatemala.

Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors, prize donors, volunteers, and participants. We greatly appreciate your support of the BRAVE Foundation!

Save the Date for next year's tournament - May 18th, 2010.

Follow http://www.bravefoundation.org/ for details of this and our other upcoming events.