Binational gathering of rescue responders

In order to join efforts in emergency care, Peñasco recently hosted a binational gathering of rescue responders from Arizona, Sonoyta, and Puerto Peñasco.
A local hotel was host to this gathering, which included the participation of nearly 100 emergency responders from Mexico and 35 paramedics from the U.S.
Eleazar García, coordinator of Binational Programs of the Southeast Arizona Educational Health Center, remarked that this is the tenth annual conference of this non-profit organization, and represents coordinated work with the University of Arizona.
He noted this is the seventh time Puerto Peñasco has served as host and the objective is to strengthen the collaboration that has always existed between Peñasco and Arizona.
Eleazar García stated that, although they had expected negative repercussions due to problems surrounding Arizona’s law SB 1070 set to go into effect at the end of July, this did not impact the course or results of the binational exchange.
The coordinator of Programs of the Southeast Arizona Educational Health Center indicated during the event participants shared knowledge and experiences with basic medical emergencies, in working towards making standard criteria in an effort to save lives throughout the region.
A series of practice simulations were held at the end of the training, which had brought together fire departments, the Red Cross and the National Emergency Commission of Puerto Peñasco. Furthermore, a number of participants from the U.S. visited hospital centers in order to learn more about the work of local paramedics.

By Jose Antonio Perez