July 17, 2012 – Juan Frio, Santander, Colombia….IAD Staff
More than 200 Seventh-day Adventist first responders comprising 10 rescue teams from Colombia and Venezuela gathered in Juan Frio, Colombia, to review logistics, sharpen their skills, and network during a three-day training session organized by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) offices in Colombia and Venezuela, June 15-18, 2012. Rescue team members reviewed rescue procedures, airway management, trauma response, and vehicle extrication.
“This meeting was important in that it consolidated these volunteer rescue teams so that they can better respond to the continual emergencies which occur in their respective regions,” said Alvaro Niño, ADRA Colombia director. “The purpose of the volunteer work which is promoted by ADRA is to complement the work that these rescue teams perform in emergencies through a joined strategy plan,” he added.
Each rescue team present at the training sessions is nationally registered with their countries to respond in emergency situations, said Niño. Every rescue team reported on recent rescue operations in their respective regions.
Wally Amundson, ADRA director for Inter-America, met with the rescue teams, and reminded them of their mission as volunteers to support ADRA’s efforts.
“Your work reflects the compassionate love of Jesus, just like ADRA’s main goal is to respond to the needs of those outside of the church, without forgetting those who are inside the church,” said Amundson. “This requires a balance and a great challenge for those who join this great work.”
“The work of these rescue teams is very important for the disaster stricken territory of Inter-America, said Amundson. “Their valuable dedication and training can immensely help in the emergency response situations in their countries and beyond their borders.”
According to Amundson, the idea is to ensure a networking so that when either country is facing a disaster emergency, they can team up and assist in disaster situations.
“This is so vital in Inter-America,” said Amundson, “since the vast region is highly prone to natural disasters, five months out of every year. It’s an initiative that is crucial for readiness and preparedness to meet unexpected catastrophes, he explained.
Amundson praised the response of Colombia’s GARSA rescue team which participated in rescue operations after the massive earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010, and encouraged the other nine teams to continue working with ADRA in their efforts to offer assistance to affected communities in the wake of disasters.
Rescue teams included GUI-MAY, BACE, GRAS, GROCC, SEVENTH, MAHANAI, CRORI, GREL and GAHEV.
Both ADRA offices formed a committee to continue networking with the rescue teams and offer continuing education, in addition to training in each country for emergency rescue operations.
Plans are underway for another training session next year in Venezuela.
