Opening Ceremony of GMR56 kicks off in El Rosal, Colombia.
In the Western Savanna Province, part of the department of Cundinamarca, 12 miles (20 Km) outside of Bogota, sits El Rosal. Approximately 8,800 ft (2,685M) above sea level and a population of nearly 20,000 people, the Bombers El Rosal prepare to protect the city for emergencies. Global Mission Readiness has traveled to El Rosal in 2017 and this year in 2018. GMR is not only training the local, El Rosal firefighters, but also training the region. Firefighters and first responders come from all over the area to take part in training. This mission, 30 firefighters from 5 different agencies, some from up to 8 hours away, have come to learn fire control, advancing hose-lines, ground ladders, search and rescue, and firefighter safety and survival.
Global Mission Readiness keeps moving forward in the worldwide safety and training arena. GMR is happy to announce to continue training in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, South America for GMR’s 55th mission.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, South America; “The Center of South America.”On September 19th, 2018, firefighters from Clackamas Fire and Forest Grove Fire and Rescue, specially trained in Rope Rescue will be heading to Santa Cruz to train with firefighters in Basic Rope Rescue. GMR has been in this region to teach EMS, Vehicle Extrication, Water Rescue, and Firefighter Safety and Survival. We are excited to go back to this area as the need is high and much appreciated. The area is home to over 2 million people, including areas of industry, recreation, residential, and farming on the outskirts. With the main system of water removal being canals, first responders from the area struggle to safely remove trapped victims and animals from the canals before flash flooding occurs. The skills, knowledge, and equipment that GMR will bring, increase safety, efficiency, and truly saves lives.
The team is made of up volunteer Ryan Patrick (CFD), Shawn Mullen (CFD), Rick Ilg (FGFR), and team leader Patrick DeLair (CFD). GMR is also excited to have photographer Juliana Patrick accompany the team and document the trip. Juli is a well-respected photographer and videographer in Portland, OR, USA. Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2015. Water and Canal Rescue. GMR volunteers pictured in blue shirts- Left: Sean Carris, Middle: Ariany Melgar, Right: Scott Walker. Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2015. Water and Canal Rescue. GMR volunteers pictured in blue shirts- Left: Sean Carris, Middle: Ariany Melgar, Right: Scott Walker.
Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2015. Water and Canal RescueReturn trips to areas like Santa Cruz are exciting for GMR because we build on previous trips, test the skills and abilities from previous training missions, and build lifelong friendships around the world. Our collaboration breaks down cultural barriers, provide the education and resources to help save lives by teaching first responders how to help themselves, help their communities, and their countries. To learn more or to get involved, follow along on Facebook and Instagram and our website at Global Mission Readiness. You can learn more about Juliana Patrick by visiting www.julianapatrick.com
GMR sends 5 volunteers to Lima, Peru
In May of 2018, volunteers with be headed to Lima, Peru, South America to teach Basic Rope Rescue Techniques. Let by Global Mission Readiness and Albany Fire Department Firefighter Carly Shears, this will be GMR’s 7th time to Lima. However, this will be the first time training with Proteccion Civil Internacional (PCI). Shears will be joined by fellow Albany Fire members Shannon Baker, Tom Henke, Tim Verdun, and Michael Hurley. Baker and Henke have traveled to Africa with GMR in the past. This is Verdun and Hurley’s first time traveling with GMR.
5 volunteers to teach EMS in Kumasi, Ghana, Africa
Volunteers from Clackamas Fire District 1, Jared Wick, Tyler Dickerson, Graham Heard, veteran volunteer Kyle Myers and Patrick DeLair head to Kumasi, Ghana, Africa to teach the national first responders Emergency Medical Services. This is GMR’s third teaching trip to Ghana. The class will be about building skills from previous missions, teaching new techniques as well as donating equipment. Some of the equipment that will be donated are trauma supplies, airway adjuncts, CPR training aids, to name a few.