Review Volunteer Parker Smith in Honduras La Ceiba Paramedical/Rescue program
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
He was great. He was very welcoming and helped me along the way in many ways. He cares about his job and works to ensure that everyone has the tools and understanding they need to complete their job.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: I was surprised how welcoming the Bomberos were of me and how accepting of my different experience. We exchanged lots of information between and I made some life-long friends.
At the accommodation: I was surprised at how much of a community there is in the coordinator’s house, the family is huge and there are often new faces passing through to meet.
About the country: I was surprised at the difference between modern parts and poor parts, and the vast contrast.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: The communication was difficult as the language barrier was large when I began but as my Spanish improved, the barrier lessened.
At the accommodation: The heat was awful, I’m used to the cold so the heat was brutal for me, luckily the coordinator had a fan for me and that helped immensely.
The country: Navigating the culture and the cultural differences was difficult, such as the tendency for Hondurans to be late.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Shorts and lots of pockets in your cloths. Don’t wear nice things as they will likely be damaged and it makes you stand out more.
Donations: The supplies in Honduras are gravely overpriced. Bring the supplies you think you need and don’t plan on being able to buy things. I found myself missing the little things such as alcohol wipes, and syringes.
Weather: It is very hot, bring lots of underwear.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
The work with the Rescue team was exciting, interesting, and at times very difficult. The ambulance is old and desperately needs replaced, the equipment is odds and ends that have been donated over time. We found ourselves needing to be resourceful and often used equipment in ways that it was not originally designed for in order to get tasks done. These challenges gave me an insight into resourcefulness and an appreciation for being well supplied on my ambulance at home.
Overall the experience in Honduras was extremely fun, I strongly recommend it to anyone with experience in medicine, it will most definitely teach you lots, and set you far outside your comfort zone.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
The accommodations were excellent, and meals authentic. I lived like a local in many ways, yet had comforts such as Wifi.
Security is a real concern and I encourage anyone interested to research Honduras. It can be navigated safely with patience and keeping your eyes out.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Running Calls with the Bomberos and working together to accomplish our mission.
Country: I recall the first day that I was here, I had so much fun just riding around the town, enjoying the culture shock, and trying to figure how things worked and the cultural norms.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):
Excellent, I was well accommodated.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Sure thing
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
My friend found it browsing the internet.