BDARRT BELIZE DISASTER AND RESCUE RESPONSE TEAM - AMBERGRIS CAYE
Island Ferry Emergency 226-3231
Island Ferry marine radio Channel 11
Captain Sterling Vorus 610-3411
Captain Jason Edwards 605-4733, 663-4867
We are pleased to announce that the members of the Ambergris Caye Rescue Team have completed training that allows them to become members of the Belize Disaster and Rescue Response Team (BDARRT). Sterling Vorus, owner of the Island Ferry, has agreed to be a focal point for the rescue team. All his boat Captains are being trained in First Aid, CPR and use of AEDs. His dispatchers will serve as a point of contact and will send the appropriate personnel to the incident. Sterling's boats can respond up and down the coast of Ambergris Caye and have personnel and supplies on site within a short time. He has also offered ambulance service for patients needing to go to Belize City. We have other individuals that have previous experience in rescue and have offered their services to the team.
The BDARRT team from Ambergris Caye will train with Doctors and Medical Trainers from Global Medical Rescue Services, Ltd. (
http://www.gmrsltd.com). GMRS is an international organization that trains medical and rescue teams around the world. They have been active in Belize for ten years with BDARRT and Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Resort. From an operational standpoint, our team would be available to respond to local emergencies and natural disasters around the region.
The current members are dedicated to the success of this organization. Please get involved and become a part of our team as we serve Ambergris Caye.
Did you know:
1. It costs over $1,200 BZ per student per week to provide training to BDARRT standards. We expect to spend over $ 28,000 BZ during the next year for our members to complete their required training.
2. It costs over $1,000 BZ to provide basic protective equipment, light, flotation device, and helmet for each member
3. Having an equipped, functional rescue team makes Ambergris Caye a more desirable destination for world travelers.
4. Island Ferry closes down and provides its boats free of charge during an emergency.
5. All members of our team are volunteers. The only payment we receive is the thanks of the patients we have helped.
6. An oxygen kit costs $ 750.00 BZ, an AED costs $ 3,000.00 BZ, a basic first aid kit costs $ 425.00 BZ
None of this will be possible without your donation and support.