April 18, 2011 – Mexico City, Mexico…Raul Lozano/IAD
Catering to more than 19,500 pathfinders, staff and leaders presents several challenges, but one major concern is keeping everyone healthy. From the moment Pathfinders begin their journey to Mexico City, they are exposed to dangers such as disease and accidents, organizers said.
When the camporee was planned, provision was made to provide medical and dental services for children and adults. In order to provide medical service, a small hospital was set up in addition to five first-aid stations. Every campground has one of these first-aid booths throughout Ciudad Deportiva, the campsite for the event.
In the North Mexican Union campgrounds, the medical mobile unit from La Carlota Hospital, Montemorelos, was set up. This unit is staffed by four physicians and two nurses.
“The staff from the hospital has come here to assist. They are volunteering their services and at the moment we only needed to hire two other physicians,” said Nancy Castillo, Human Resources and Business director at the La Carlota Hospital.
Volunteers working in health services for this camporee number almost a hundred, including 20 physicians, 25 nurses, and 50 paramedics. They are all organized in different shifts. These volunteers helped procure or even donated the medicines needed.
Patients who need medical assistance will have to go through a process.
“First, patients go the their nearest first-aid booth where the paramedics provide first aid care,” said Abraham Ramirez, who is in charge of the camporee’s health care services. “When there is a need for further treatment, patients are taken to the camporee hospital where we have eight beds available,” he added.
Although Pathfinder clubs are still arriving and setting up camp, there have already been patients treated. “We have had some 30 people, mostly suffering from digestive disorders like vomiting and diarrhea, and some others with severe dental pain,” said Ramirez. In order to prevent complications, health recommendations were written as Pathfinders were registered.
“We want the pathfinders to be healthy and happy during the camporee. They must drink lots of water, wash their hands thoroughly and wear hats to protect against the sun,” Ramirez added.
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