CDS EMS worker  Carlos Fuentes attended a workshop entitled “Central American Conference on Human Rights in Disaster Management“. Other EMS agencies were in attendance with their representatives from the Red Cross, Green Cross, and the National Fire Dept. Workers from Civil Protection were also present along with various international entities. Pictured is Carlos with Elizabeth Ferris of the Brookings Institute.

Dr. Antonio Guiote Torres and nurse Luis Albendin García from Andaluz, Spain held a training conference on April 23rd at the Central Base. The course was for Comando instructors under the project titled, “Strengthening Communities for safety and emergent catastrophes in El Salvador”. The objective is for CDS to bring this training to local community leaders in high risk zones throughout the country so that locals can attend to emergencies while waiting for EMS/Rescue teams.

The trainers are from Doctors of the World/ Andalucía and work for Critical Care and Emergency sanitation (DCCU) in Granada Spain. It is hoped that this training will multiply the knowledge of laymen rescue workers and volunteers so community members can better respond to crisis events that are common in areas vulnerable to natural disaster.  La página has published an article of the event.

This last March 15th, Oxfam published a blog entry on our work during the past November floods. Comandos Disaster Response Comitee trained various Salvadorans in their local communities in Disaster response leadership.  Paula Deperla was one of these volunteers.

The entry was written by Elizabeth Stevens, and we are thankful for the support Oxfam has given us in letting our projects be known throughout cyberspace.

Credito de Foto: Oxfam America Blog

CDS would like to formally thank Leif Gordon and a small group of workers for Norwegian People’s Aid based out of Stravanger Norway for donating to our cause. For more than 25 years, APN and Comandos de Salvamento have maintained a relationship in solidarity in offering quality EMS, Rescue and Recover and community health to the public. A Fraternal hug from the Central Base of Comandos to APN Norway.

North American Doctor Brett Spitnale MD, spent the last fifteen days of his vacation working with CDS. During his stay he offered training to staff, went on health brigades to outlying communities affected by last years storm “Tropical Ida”, and attended to patients in the emergency walk in clinic. Although very busy, Brett was able to find some time to enjoy El Salvador’s infamous national food, “Las Pupusas”.

The governing board of Comandos gave him a certificate of recognition for his humanitarian labor to CDS.

[Show slideshow]

Fotos: Comandos de Salvamento