Emergency Response Corps Volunteers Provide Essential Medical Aid in Panama

Emergency Response Corps Volunteers Provide Essential Medical Aid in Panama

In May, a team of ECRI volunteers travelled to Bocas del Toro, Panama, to support the nonprofit organisation Floating Doctors. This partnership, which extends beyond annual volunteer trips, aims to deliver essential healthcare services to underserved communities in remote areas.

The ECRI volunteer group consisted of staff from clinical, engineering, and operational backgrounds. They worked alongside other volunteers and clinicians from around the world, valuing the connections they made during the trip.

The team's biggest takeaway was the dignity and strength of the individuals they were there to assist. They encountered serious health issues and logistical challenges among their patients, but their efforts made a significant impact.

ECRI President and CEO Dr. Marcus Schabacker serves on the board of Floating Doctors. Timothy Browne, ECRI Vice President of Global Supply Chain, emphasised the importance of healthcare equity and the right of people to be seen, heard, and cared for, regardless of the resources available.

The volunteers helped set up clinics in different locations each day, transporting medical supplies, water, and equipment. They supported clinic operations in various ways, including triaging patients, translating, assisting with ultrasound exams, and distributing medications.

Ismael Cordero, Senior Project Engineer of Health Devices, repaired medical equipment damaged by saltwater during the trip. ECRI Grant & Proposal Specialist Diaz served as a translator during the trip, finding the work deeply personal as he was able to connect with patients in their own language.

Theresa Maas, a nurse and Healthcare Value Analysis Strategic Business Leader, expressed enjoyment in interacting with the children during the trip. She, along with the other volunteers, found the experience rewarding and fulfilling.

ECRI has planned two volunteer trips for 2025, with a team returning in September. For those interested in getting involved, more information can be found on the Floating Doctors website. Floating Doctors also accepts donations and supplies via an Amazon Wish List.

Floating Doctors is a nonprofit that delivers medical, dental, and veterinary care to underserved populations in remote island and jungle communities in Central America. Their mobile clinics reach patients who are often inaccessible by conventional means, such as boat, horseback, or foot. In a recent case, ECRI leaders helped coordinate the treatment of an infant with a serious infection in the closest available hospital.

The work of ECRI volunteers, in partnership with Floating Doctors, significantly enhances the reach and effectiveness of medical outreach in remote areas, improving access to essential healthcare for underserved communities in Bocas del Toro.

1. The ECRI volunteers appreciated the quality of care provided by the Floating Doctors in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
2. They encountered various medical-conditions among the patients, requiring immediate attention and treatment.
3. The volunteers' efforts in supplying essential medical equipment and devices contributed to the care provided.
4. There was evidence of improvement in the health of patients due to the support from ECRI and Floating Doctors.
5. The Floating Doctors also offer dental and veterinary care, addressing a wider range of health issues in the communities they serve.
6. The volunteers worked tirelessly, navigating challenging infrastructure and climate-change issues to deliver healthcare services.
7. CBD oil, a popular wellness product, is not typically associated with healthcare in remote areas like Bocas del Toro, but it could potentially be explored for its medicinal properties.
8. In the realm of environmental science, the impact of climate change on health and wellness in these communities is a pressing concern.
9. Fitness and exercise are crucial aspects of maintaining personal health, but access to these resources is often limited in remote areas.
10. As fans of fitness and exercise, the volunteers wished they could introduce more sporting activities into the lives of the local communities.
11. The volunteers shared their experiences of the trip with their networks, generating news articles and social media posts about the important work being done.
12. The financial support of sponsors and donors is essential for the continued operation of Floating Doors and their mission to deliver healthcare services.
13. In the world of finance, investing in healthcare initiatives like Floating Doctors can offer significant returns in terms of societal improvement and personal satisfaction.
14. The lifestyle of remote communities often revolves around subsistence farming and fishing, with limited access to food and drink options beyond local produce.
15. In the future, collaboration between Floating Doctors and other organizations could expand to areas like education and self-development, fashion and beauty, technology, relationships, travel, and even casino and gambling to provide a more holistic approach to improving the lives of the communities they serve.

Read also: