East Cape Health Center is dedicated to improving the emergency services in the East Cape. We have joined forces with International Emergency Services Fund to accomplish this goal.
After long consideration and looking at statistical information, we found that most deaths in the East Cape area were due to vehicle accidents and cardiac events. At the present time, Buena Vista is the only fire department between San Jose Del Cabo and La Paz.
A fundraising event was held on May 20th, 2011 at East Cape RV Resort with over 200 in attendance. Kim Plotkin donated an AED. Linda & Frank Talley and Eddie & Susy Walker donated funds to buy two AEDs. Many other generous donors stepped forward to assist in the improvement of our emergency services. Through their effort, East Cape Health Center will be able to move forward with the improvement plan.
Step One
International Emergency Services Fund agreed to come to Los Barriles and instruct the local bomberos (firefighters) in auto extrication. Buena Vista has had a Jaws of Life extrication tool for many years but did not know how to operate the tool. On May 22nd and 23rd 2011, the extrication class was held at the Palmas de Cortez with practical training at Buena Vista. Bomberos were trained in all aspects of auto extrication and patient care. Four automobiles were used in the training with the bomberos learning the techniques to be able to extricate entrapped patients. With the money raised from the fundraiser East Cape Health Center was able to provide the training materials and to purchase the extrication equipment needed. The equipment includes new hydraulic hoses for the extrication tool, saws, hand tools, struts for vehicle stabilization, and other miscellanious tools. International Emergency Services Fund also donated firefighter gear and various other firefighter tools. The class was attended by bomberos from Las Quevas, Buena Vista, and Cruz Roja (Red Cross).
Step Two
East Cape Health Center has purchased AEDs to place in the community. AEDs can be used by anyone to assist in a cardiac arrest and have been proven to save lives. With the the monies that were raised, we will place five AEDs in the community.
East Capers newspaper ( published by the Association de Artes) has offered to publish a pull out map with the AED locations and vital phone numbers in their December issue.
Step Three
Instruction on CPR, AED, and basic First Aid was held at Palmas de Cortez on November 16, 2011. The class will be held again in the spring of 2012.
Click here to download the PowerPoint slides from the class.
Step Four
International Emergency Services Fund will be holding more firefighting classes in the future on various subjects to include rope rescue and basic fire fighting. They will also be bringing donations needed by Buena Vista Fire Company.
Step Five
More to follow........
