Paramedic Service, Costa Rica
RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES AS PART OF THIS AMBULANCE SERVICE.
The Costa Rica Rescue programme involves working with a private ambulance service based in the suburbs of San Jose. This reputable organisation services the public and private hospitals of Heredia, Alajuela and the metropolitan San Jose area. The company works with full approval of the Costa Rican Social Security Bureau and follows all guidelines put in place by the Red Cross. This is a 24 hour operation which responds to a multitude of emergencies ranging from heart attacks and other major illnesses to backing up the government funded ambulance service to form a ‘second-tier’ of response for other emergencies such as car accidents, fires etc.
Volunteers in this programme must be qualified medical students or professionals. Depending on the volunteer’s level of training, they will be teamed up with an Ambulance Technician/Paramedic and will respond to a variety of emergencies and participate in actual calls. All volunteers will receive training and while not working directly on the ambulances, will learn about and help service the medical equipment as well as participating in various courses and activities set up by the local staff. This is an amazing programme for medial students and provides an excellent opportunity to acquire some hands on experience. It is also a good programme for health care professionals to practice medicine in a Central American environment.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Working with (learning from) local Ambulance Technicians/Paramedics
- Participating in actual emergency ambulance calls
- Helping to service different medical equipment
- Participating in any training courses/activities assigned by the local staff
Programme details
Project details
- Length : 4 - 8 weeks
- Location : San Jose and Heredia area
- Orientation : Provided in country by locally based staff
- Accommodation : Room with a host family and meals
- Availability : Dates are flexible. Arrival should be on a Sunday to Thursday, unless it is a national holiday.
Requirements
- 18+
- Medical student or qualified health care professional
- Intermediate level of Spanish is recommended.
Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | US$ 1805 |
| 8 weeks | US$ 2460 |
Please note, due to fluctuations in the exchange rate, prices are given in US$.
Spanish lessons can be arranged at an additional cost.
What is included in the cost of the programme
- Personalised Volunteer Placement with our Partner in Costa Rica, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
- A comfortable, safe place to live in Costa Rica, the basic amenities, 3 meals per day with a host family, and transportation from the airport to your placements and programmes.
- An experienced U.S. based Programme Manager (and former volunteer) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Costa Rica.
- In-country basic language assistance.
- Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
- Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance.
- Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
- A free phone 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
What is not included in the cost of the programme
- Flights.
- Visa Costs.
- Personal spending money.
