 Description:
The Costa Rica Rescue program involves working with a private ambulance service based in the suburbs of San Jose. This reputable organization services the public and private hospitals of Heredia, Alajuela and the metropolitan San Jose area. The company works with full approval of the Costa Rican Social Security Bureau and follows all guidelines put in place by the Red Cross. This is a 24 hour operation which responds to a multitude of emergencies ranging from heart attacks and other major sicknesses to backing up the government funded ambulance service to form a ‘second-tier’ of response for other emergencies such as car accidents, fires etc.
Volunteers in this program must be qualified medical students or professionals. Depending on the volunteer’s level of training, they will be teamed up with an Ambulance Technician/Paramedic and will respond to a variety of emergencies and participate in actual calls. All volunteers will receive training and while not working directly on the ambulances, will learn about and help service the medical equipment as well as participating in various courses and activities set up by the local staff. This is an amazing program for medial students and provides an excellent opportunity to acquire some hands on experience. It is also a good program for health care professionals to practice medicine in a Central American environment.
Duration:
4 weeks to 6 months
Location:
San Jose and Heredia
Requirements:
Participants must be 18 years or older.
Intermediate level of Spanish is recommended.
Background in medicine (or student of nursing or medicine) is required.
Activities:
- Working with (learning from) local Ambulance Technicians/Paramedics
- Participating in actual emergency ambulance calls
- Helping to service the deferent medical equipment
- Participating in any training courses/activities assigned by the local staff
Price:
$1455 for 4 weeks
Working Hours:
Participants are at the paramedic company for 24 hour shifts.
Additional Details:
The program includes accommodation, most meals, airport pick-up, in-country support, extensive medical and accident insurance, extensive pre-departure information and onsite project orientation. |
