Travel Opportunity w/EMS

[savelives]

Does anyone know of any groups that regularly do trips overseas to provide medical aid to countries in need? I am an EMT-B looking to take a few trips out of the country to help those that are less fortunate. I have looked into a few programs in the DR and Haiti but all are generally mission-based, and although cool, I'd like to focus more on the medicine and providing care.

Thanks so much guys,
Rob

 

[mycrofft]

American Red Cross. Doctors Without Borders. Peace Corps. Contract with an offshore provider. Google it.

It won't be cheap. (Got your passport and immunizations? Will and Durable Power of Attorney? People to take care of or just take your pets and houseplants etc? Storage for for belongings? WIll you keep or lose your dwelling?).

Basic EMT skills won't be as useful as you think versus those skills of other volunteers/employees, and versus the needs of non-CONUS people. General Practice and Public Health issues will be very important.

 

[NYMedic828]

The agencies that will send you as a volunteer on the basis of providing medical care are not really interested in the EMS level provider.

They look more for doctors PA/NP and nurses.

You can't really provide much "medical" care at the EMT provider level and the scope of practice across the country is largely divided.

It would be more valuable to such an agency to just put the money towards the people there directly than paying room/board/airfare/food and potentially medical care for you if you get sick over there.

There are plenty of less fortunate and misfortunate people in our own country. Look into getting together with the red cross here at home or a FEMA time if you happen to have any particular emergency service skills.

 

[JeffDHMC]

Yep, hardly any at EMT-B. Plenty at P but not really along the lines of those you're inquiring about. Mission based is going to be your best bet, sadly. Outside of that, being a DDS is very helpful.