Andrés Marín is planning a trip back to El Salvador! Andrés is an American Volunteer that has been collaborating with the Comandos de Salvamento since 2001. He first volunteered as an EMT, spending 6 months living and working at the central base in San Salvador and has been back many times since. He completed medical school and is currently a family physician in San Francisco. Andrés continues to visit the Comandos and on occasion has been able to arrange donations from US private medical ambulance companies, fire departments and hospitals. He is inspired by the work of the organization and the commitment of all the volunteers to the people of El Salvador. He has worked with the Comandos as an ambulance attendant, instructor, and doctor at health fairs.
His favorite part of volunteering is the camaraderie of the group and running calls with the other volunteers. One of the most memorable calls for him was being first on scene to a mass intoxication of over 100 workers who were exposed to toxic fumes at a local clothing factory. He remembers workers running out of the factory screaming, while other lied motionless on the ground. He triaged patients while covering his mouth and eyes with his shirt. Comandos is eager in awaiting Andrés’ return in early 2010. Below are photographs taken by Andrés during his first “tour” with CDS in 2001.
