After several months of negotiations, the Desert Hawks rescue group in El Rosario received a Fire Engine donated by "Cristo por su Mundo", a
non-profit organization based in Col. Vicente Guerrero.
As far as we know El Rosario has never had a Fire/Rescue department, the nearest one is in San Quintín, almost 40 miles north of El Rosario. As a
result whenever there is a fire in town it takes usually 50 minutes for them to arrive, and everyone knows that by then it is too late. There have
even been fatalities in town as a result of the lack of trained personnel in town.
Desert Hawks is trying to solve this problem and we are just starting our fire department, we have the fire engine, now we need to learn how to use
it... jejejeje. We have approached friends in the San Diego Fire Department and they are coming over in the next few weeks to train us.
We also need to get the necessary fire equipment since we only have the fire engine, 4 turnouts and a couple rolls of hose. Everything else we need to
find, including a water tender to support the fire engine and a second ambulance to replace the one we traded for the fire engine.
If we work hard we may be able to start giving these much needed service in a couple of months.
Volunteers for these new endeavor have come forward and right now we have 16 young man ready to be train. For the moment our Desert Hawks EMT's have
been teaching them first aid, CPR and the roles of a first responder. They have also began to train and exercise because those turnouts are really
heavy.
Also we have been working in our image and have finally been able to paint both our units, all our volunteers gathered together and did the job
themselves, they are very proud of the results.
We are very happy and excited to start this new project... our Non-Profit Rescue Group is getting stronger... thank you so much for being a part of
it!!!
Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Rescue Group
Non Profit Organization
El Rosario, B.C.
[Edited on 10-16-2014 by BajaCactus]
David K - 10-14-2014 at 02:54 PM
WOW!!!
I am so happy for you and the people of El Rosario!!
New Desert Hawks ambulance design...
BajaCactus - 10-14-2014 at 02:55 PM
Desert Hawks Fire Engine..
BajaCactus - 10-14-2014 at 02:56 PM
David K - 10-14-2014 at 02:56 PM
Is Hugo Lopez the artist?
Desert Hawks Fire Engine..
BajaCactus - 10-14-2014 at 02:57 PM
Desert Hawks "makeover"...
BajaCactus - 10-14-2014 at 03:02 PM
DavidK... nop... I am the one responsible for the creative design... I know it is "different" than the usual look of a rescue vehicle, but that is one
of the advantages of being the coordinator of a rescue group... jejejeje.
Hugs,
Antonio Muñoz
[Edited on 10-14-2014 by BajaCactus]TMW - 10-14-2014 at 03:29 PM
Excellent, good for you , the Desert Hawks and El Rosario.DocRey - 10-14-2014 at 04:31 PM
I have a few items you might be able to use? Can you use:
2 1/2" hose?
Various brass/chrome fittings?
". Gated "Y"'s? Nozzles?
Pick headed axes?
Rescue/Equipt. lines, harnesses, bridles?
20 Ft. wooden extension ladder?
Random first-aid gear?
Probably have a few other items I'm not thinking of.
At one point I had an old fire engine I was going to restore. Never happened. But through friends & Ebay, I managed to collect a few things.
Anyway, I can store them at my place in Playas de T.J. (SADM) until we figure out how to get them to you. Let me know.Ateo - 10-14-2014 at 05:02 PM
Totally awesome.woody with a view - 10-14-2014 at 05:15 PM
I can toss in 2-50' 1.5" fire hose with a cheap plastic nozzle that works. i'll drop it off Friday if you'll be there. I'd toss in a hydrant wrench
but that would be useless!
BTW, that rig should have a 500 gallon capacity water tank. you can do ALOT of damage with 500 gallons if your men learn how to conserve, and hit the
fire hard at the seat.....BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 10-14-2014 at 05:31 PM
Hola antonio,
when you traded an ambulance for the fire engine, does that mean you do not have any ambulance now ?
BIEN SALUD, DA RATwoody with a view - 10-14-2014 at 05:32 PM
he said he traded the reserve unit! good trade!BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 10-14-2014 at 05:44 PM
David K,
yes, woody made the clarification. no need to demean my query.
BIEN SALUD, DA RATMula - 10-14-2014 at 06:39 PM
I am totally impressed with Antonio and his outfit.
So am very happy to be contributing to his endeavors.BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 10-14-2014 at 10:42 PM
david k,
Yes...i can READ the typed words. i wasn't sure if that photo showed the ambulance that was traded before it was delivered in the trade.
let's not beat a dead horse unless your wanting to just add to your post count.
BIEN SALUD, DA RATvandy - 10-15-2014 at 01:13 AM
I absolutely love the design and logo.
I stopped by to drop off a donation on my way north after Odile, and saw the rescue unit in person.
As long as I don't need it...
I figure it's got to be better than paying for roadside shrine candles.vandy - 10-15-2014 at 01:16 AM
[Edited on 10-15-2014 by vandy]
Donations...
BajaCactus - 10-15-2014 at 01:07 PM
In this year and a half Desert Hawks has been active, we have learned that, because of the specific characteristics of the region, long distances to
hospitals and type of accidents, at least two ambulances are needed to give a good reliable emergency service.
Most of the times only one emergency takes up to 6 hours to be completed. Sometimes they have taken up to 12 hours. With only one ambulance, during
this period of time there is no emergency service available in the region. Also, in car accidents usually three or more people are involved and in the
one ambulance we have we can only transport and/or attend two patients at a time.
We used to have two ambulances, but since we traded one for the fire engine, we have only one now. We already started looking for another one, but so
far been unsuccessful. In the meantime we will do our best with what we have.
Regarding the fire/rescue, as I mentioned before, basically we have no equipment and/or tools yet, just the fire engine and 4 turnouts without
helmets. Also BajaMedic is doing a huge effort on his part and has been collecting tools and equipment for the Desert Hawks, including a much needed
radio base station and a few handhelds. We should be receiving those items by early November.
DocRecy, Woody and anyone else, any donations for equipment or tools are welcome so we can start building up our fire squad. We have a physical
address in San Diego and/or Tijuana were we can receive and store any of them until I can bring them down to El Rosario. In Tijuana, Rosarito, Playas
de Tijuana and the San Diego area is very easy for us to go personally and pick them up. If not to expensive, we could also probably pay for any
shipping/freight charges to have items delivered to San Diego as well.
Woody, unfortunately I will not be in El Rosario this Friday, I am leaving to Tijuana in a couple of hours. However you may drop anything at
BajaCactus, ask for Isela and/or Karely, they both work at BajaCactus and are also volunteers for Desert Hawks.
Thank you all!!!
Antonio Muñozwoody with a view - 10-15-2014 at 01:32 PM
you got it big guy. we'll be thru around lunch time.DocRey - 10-15-2014 at 05:27 PM
O.k. What is your San Diego address? It may avoid me having to deal with Aduana at the border...?Gulliver - 10-15-2014 at 05:54 PM
My local fire department is planning on 'surplusing out' one of their Ambulance/Medic units later this year. One of the box van style units I believe.
They are very open to having it go to Desert Hawks. No charge but I would have to get it to El Rosario from Washington State, about 1600 miles!
This may not happen in time to meet the immediate needs but I will stay on top of it. I am heading to Mulege with an estimated arrival of early
November so I will not be driving it down this trip.
Also, the terms of transfer of ownership do not preclude selling it nearer to home in Washington State with the funds going to Desert Hawks.
All very speculative at this time.woody with a view - 10-15-2014 at 05:57 PM
I'm sure there are many people who would drive it down, even is stages!Gulliver - 10-15-2014 at 06:07 PM
True. I was thinking of a little adventure where I put my smallish street bike in the back and used the bike to get back up here.
I will be talking to the chief tomorrow and get some details about the rig and the time frame.
Also he is starting a box for me with all of the non-schedule 1 and 2 drugs that get removed from the medics boxes periodically and normally thrown
out. They have a shelf life of years but because of regulations they are renewed every six months or so here. Also he is setting aside any used
cervical collars and the like.MMc - 10-15-2014 at 06:35 PM
Gulliver, what a good thing you are doing! Good on you. If I can help ask, even for some gas money or such.
[Edited on 10-16-2014 by MMc]Ateo - 10-15-2014 at 06:47 PM
Gulliver,
If this happens I would like to help out. Let us know if it gets approved. I can donate some gas $$$.woody with a view - 10-15-2014 at 06:54 PM
Gulliver, you MUST be aware that Paramedics are the only first responders able to administer drugs! EMT's can only monitor what drugs have been given
prior to transport. "IF" Desert Hawks are trained medics then flood them with stuff otherwise, please be careful!
someone told me once that the road to hell was paved with good intentions.Gulliver - 10-15-2014 at 07:05 PM
I'll be researching the drug issue with the personnel at both ends. Thanks for the reminder.
I'm in
bajaguy - 10-15-2014 at 07:07 PM
For the ambulance adventure.....$$$ or driving.
If you can get it SOB, I can take it to San Quintin
Ambulance and donations...
BajaCactus - 10-15-2014 at 11:49 PM
Wow!!!... I am totally impressed and overwhelmed by all of you guys!!!... suddenly being down here in the middle of Baja does not feel so lonely...
you all coming together for a common goal encourage me so much, I mean, seeing your willingness to help, How can I not give my best effort?... Wow!!!
DocRey... yes, the customs at the Mexican border are a real problem when crossing stuff, they always want their "cut". However, we do have contacts
and friends there and are able to cross almost everything with little or no hassle, so yes it may be easier for you to either drop or ship any
donations. We could also meet or pick them up someplace. I am sending you Andy Schouten's contact info via U2U so you may coordinate with him directly
(Andy is the founder of Commitment, Inc, our non-profit organization in the US).
Gulliver... those are amazing and wonderful news!!!... Thank you. The distance is no problem, Andy and I would be willing to fly up there or someplace
in between to drive the ambulance down here, with the help of BajaNomads will be even easier. It could even be advantageous, you see, we have
approached a non-profit organization called "Firefighters Crossing Borders". They have embraced our project and through their representatives in San
Diego have been trying to guide us. They are the ones coming to train us to El Rosario in a few weeks. They have a bunch of tools, equipment and
turnouts ready for the Desert Hawks... the problem is that they are based in Washington State. So, if we coordinate things correctly we could bring
those along. The end of the year is in a couple of months, so timing is also not an issue, that is actually pretty soon.
If only one life is saved by that ambulance, the driving time and everyone's effort will be more than worth it. Besides, I was looking at pictures of
Lopez Island, WA... and wow!!!... You and BajaMedic (Weaverville, CA) have the best spots in the States... I think I am in the wrong town... I have to
see those places in person... jejejeje.
Also, if needed we could provide a letter with a tax deductible receipt for any donations, including the ambulance, thru our non-profit organization
"Commitment, Inc", which is register in the States as a 501(c)(3).
Regarding medication, Woody is right, EMT's are not allowed nor trained to prescribe medication (we do know how to administer them though), also
medications are not allowed through customs, not even through our contacts. We have some in our ambulance but we can only administer them if our
medical director authorizes our EMT's via cellular (soon via 2 meter radio also), and only if it is absolutely necessary to save the patient's life.
Oh, perhaps I have not told you, Desert Hawks has a doctor as a part of our team, he acts as a medical director and oversees and supervises our
volunteers medical operations. He usually stays in town but is always ready to coordinate and help if needed.
Thank you for being a part of our efforts... Together we can save lives!!!
Antonio Munoz
Desert Hawks Rescue Group
Non-Profit Organization
[Edited on 10-16-2014 by BajaCactus]Gulliver - 10-16-2014 at 03:53 PM
I sat down and talked with the fire chief today and looked over the possible ambulance. It looks great. A few cosmetic dings. A 1994 Road Rescue on a
Ford F350 chassis. Diesel engine. About 28K miles. I'll figure out how to attach a couple of pictures later but it is your basic box shaped fire and
EMT vehicle you see going down the road every day.
Its replacement was originally scheduled to arrive here by the end of the year but there have been delays. And when the new one arrives some equipment
will have to be transferred and such things. This this whole thing might not happen until early Spring.
The chief is going to start the process of getting his bosses on line with this. There will be much conferring with the Firefighters Crossing the
Border people for expertise and help with crossing the border.
So typical of such things, it will be like mating elephants. Much screaming in high places and then nothing much happens for a while.
I will transfer the small time details to U2U and direct email with Antonio for now. I'll post any significant developments on here for sure. Much
thanks to all for the encouragement and offers of help. You may get taken up on them.
Now to get myself to Mulege without needing Antonio's services!! The last trip South I almost got it from some goon down around Tres Virgines. 40
years of motorcycle racing and I have never has such a close call.
Mike Colyar
Lopez Island, WA
Oasis 511 in Mulege.
Ambulance...
BajaCactus - 10-17-2014 at 03:38 PM
Gulliver... thank you for taking the time for this. Do not worry about timing, just knowing we have friends out there looking to help us is very
encouraging. Whenever and if it happens it will be great!!!
Regarding crossing any vehicle donated through the Mexican border that is no problem for us. With the proper documents and information, we have the
resources and connections to bring them legally and with little hassle into Mexico. We would need to pay import fee duties, but we will figure out how
to overcome that when the time comes.
Thank you again and we will be looking forward to meeting you in your next trip to Baja.
Antonio Muñozrts551 - 10-17-2014 at 04:00 PM
Good Job Gulliver. You need any help...give a shout.rts551 - 10-18-2014 at 05:41 PM
Another rescue today. GOOD JOB!Ateo - 10-18-2014 at 06:04 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Another rescue today. GOOD JOB!
Yeah, saw it on FB. Great job Desert Hawks!BajaCactus - 10-18-2014 at 08:32 PM
Yes. The Flying Samaritans were doing their monthly clinic in El Rosario when suddenly a female patient waiting to be attended collapsed.
Our volunteers immediately responded and found her with very low pulse and respiration problems. Glucose was within normal parameters. There was no
doctor at the local Health Clinic (this is common) so they took her to the local IMSS clinic in the hopes they could help since this lady does not
have IMSS coverage. They quickly checked her and told us to rush to the nearest hospital. That is about 70 miles north.
On their way the patient began to get into cardiac arrest but our volunteers were able to stabilize her and 50 minutes later she was safely delivered
to the emergency room at the hospital in Col. Vicente Guerrero.
Our volunteers went out to this emergency around 1:00pm and came back to El Rosario at 5:00pm, 4 hours later. This was a "quick" service since the
emergency originated in town.
