It has been a long time coming but one of Ambergris Caye's dreams is
finally a reality - a working ambulance. The arrival of the islands' first
ambulance was announced just one year ago, sponsored through the efforts of
the Medical University of the Americas (MUA). The ambulance is now 80%
complete with the arrival of additional equipment, donated by the
Massachusetts Medical Center. "Proper emergency medical response service is
now a reality," according to Dr. Jeff Sersland of MUA. Reportedly, all the
San Pedro Emergency Rescue Service needs to be completely operational is a
defibrillator (used to control irregular heart rhythms). Sersland
explained, "We are in the process of acquiring one, and this will allow us
to provide an even better quality of service to the island's residents."
The ambulance is now properly equipped to handle almost any emergency
situation. As of February 1st, a paramedic will be "on call"
24-hours-a-day. Nonetheless, the ambulance continues to operate driven by
Mr. Carlos Beltran, with the assistance of seven MUA doctors "on call" to
handle emergencies. A 911-telephone call or a call to the police station,
226-2022, will alert emergency personnel, after which a paramedic is
dispatched to the site. When properly stabilized, the patient is
transported to the San Pedro Lions Clinic.
A small fee is charged for the convenience of being able to summon an
ambulance. The fee will be determined by the extent of the emergency. This
money is used to replace the medical supplies and to maintain the ambulance.
In the future, the Medical University of the Americas will house a
fully equipped Trauma Center/Operating Room with a doctor available "round
the clock". Since its inception, the ambulance has provided assistance in
eleven medical emergencies.
The San Pedro Emergency Rescue Service needs more volunteers. These
volunteers will soon be recruited and properly trained to provide "first
response" medical service. In March, a two-day course will be held, free of
charge and open to the general public. In his closing statement, Dr.
Sersland said, "We are trying our best to provide excellent quality service
at a faster rate. We certainly appreciate all the help that has been
offered." Anyone needing more information may contact the Medical
University of the Americas at 226-3744 or E-mail at [email protected]
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