I am sure that B N U has misunderstood my concern. I doubt that anyone who knows me here would assume that I have concerns about subsidizing care for those that can not afford it. Of course everyone should get equal care. Having said that, I work throughout Belize City and that, in fact, is not a given. And i think it is important to be really clear that everyone will get equal treatment in order to get everyone involved. So kudos for those working towards this.

TravelinMan-I have spent the last 30 years as a FF/EMT. The department I work for has two paramedics on each pumper.

Here in the US a paramedic takes a National Registry test and usaully a State and County test. Each paramedic from State to State has a completely different set of protocols(rules) to follow. There is a strict continuing education guidline and recertification process every two years in most States. Also, a paramedic can't just use any drug or do certain procedures without contacting a base station MICN for orders.

Starting a paramedic program in Belize would take a very long time. There has to be certain laws in place to protect the care giver, the patient and the agency providing service. Then there is the issue of protocols, training, funding, etc. Paramedic school is a mix of college courses in anatomy, biology etc. to the actual paramedic school covering a huge array of items. Then there is in hospital training and then 20-30 shifts in the field with a precipter. It's usually a 1-2 year process to train a paramedic.

I think a proper EMT course given to island residents so inclined, and using the existing medical pros on the island is the better start. I have discussed a paramedic program with Dr. Tina many times. I'm sure in the future a paramedic program/EMT program/ER will all be a reality. There are WAY, WAY too many great medical people, visitors and residents concerned enough to make it happen.

And you doctors weigh in if I missed something on the paramedic issues.

from the Chamber of Commerce.....

Representatives from the Lion’s Club discussed the Poly Clinic. They initiated the project and the government help fund it and the building. Visiting doctors have donated all the equipment plus some that was sent to the mainland to be better utilized.

The government provides 2 doctors, 1 dentist and 4 nurses based on the population of the island, which to their understanding is 8000 people (in actuality, the population is more like 10,000-20,000 plus Dr. Lala’s yearly guest accommodations count shows that over 700 units have been added since 2005 and there are 600 units presently under construction, not including the South Beach development.) So the need for more care and better emergency care is growing.

Monthly meetings of the Board of Directors have not been held since November of 2008. Dr Edwards at Central Health is the Chairman of the Board. This has held up progress in solving some of the problems the clinic is experiencing.

One problem stated by the government is the need for affordable housing for doctors and nurses assigned to Ambergris Caye. The government has said they would build the housing unit if property was located. The Lion’s Club has looked into the availability of nearby properties, but without knowing how much they can offer for the properties, they are not able to determine if any would be available. The upper floor of the clinic could also be converted into housing. A definite plan has not been pursued yet.

It was suggested that the Poly Clinic be set up and staffed as the Emergency Care center for the island, with all the equipment, drugs and inventory required to care for emergency cases all in one place. Part of the problem now is that the doctors can not bring all the equipment necessary to treat every emergency to every call, therefore, there are often delays in getting the proper care to patients.

The Lion’s Club agrees that this is a good idea. The doctors and all inventory at the clinic is computerized and a dedicated volunteer at the clinic keeps all the rooms stocked with supplies. Originally, the clinic was supposed to be staffed 24 hours a day but the funding is not available to do that. The staff doctor for the old Lion’s Club Clinic lived upstairs so was always available for emergencies. The current staff of just 2 doctors is inadequate for 24 hour, on call, emergency duty. They are exhausted.

An ACCC member noted that a private doctor they know would be willing to volunteer to be on call for emergencies. The Lion’s Club would be more than willing to have private doctors help in this area.

The Lion’s Club also noted that there is a need for 24 hour security at the clinic. When doctors attend an emergency cases, especially at night, often there are many family members and friends of the victim that crowd into the room making it difficult to treat the patient.

It was nice meeting everyone and very kind of Amanda to chair the meeting and do the follow up. This is a complicated issue and it won't be solved overnight. However, with patience, perseverence and common sense we might just pull this off. Thank you, Amanda!

My 2 cents.

As a tourist with 8 trips down since 2005, twice spending 30 days +, we have had to seek medical care 4 times. In each case we were fortunate that the need was not an after hours, life threatening issue. (and the care was excellant!)

That being said, as a tourist I would be happy to pay a fee as part of my transportation to the Island. To me 1,2 even 5 dollars a day would be cheap "insurance" to know that 24hr emergency care is available.

A Larger tourist fee would also help with the payment issues mentioned by Dr Blackledge and ensure that the emergency care is available to all comers.

Martin, thanks for your encouragement and continued support of the project.

Hey everyone, many of you may or may not know me. I'm the president of the Canadian Charity Bandage International that Dr Gillis who posted on this link several times is part of. I will be in San Pedro next week for a few days offering the training you may have read about. I would love to sit down with all of you or as many of you that maybe available to meet about our plans and ideas as well as putting some names to faces. I'm avail to meet Sunday (May 10th), Monday (may 11th)and tuesday May 12th after 4pm as we are teaching both days. Or i can make Wed morning work. what are your thoughts? Amanda maybe you can put something together?

Darryl

Hi Darryl

I should be signed up for the course so I will be seeing you on monday and tuesday for sure. Let me see how the week pans out and I can contact you via email if we can get together prior to monday.

Hi Darryl:

I am sorry I won't get a chance to meet you but I am off to Placencia on Thursday and then on the 10th back to Florida. I am sure that Amanda will make good use of your time.