Beyond the Beach

On-going education is a vital component of any professional organization. But it is essential for First Responders. The Costa Ballena Guardavidas might spend most of their time on the beach in Hermosa and Dominical, but the support they offer their communities does not end there. In an area where there is very little emergency care, lifeguards are First Responders, even off-duty. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or a stranger, they can encounter patients anywhere.

We received a message this last week with details of an all-to-common story: one of the lifeguards had been the first to arrive on the scene of a motorcycle accident. While rescuing someone from the water might be the first emergency that comes to mind when you think of lifeguards and the type of training they should receive, cardiac life support and multi-system trauma training for post-rescue care, accidents and, even, heart failure, is just as vital. Specialized medical training for pediatric emergencies is also important.

This is where we come in, and you. Training and training aids are not only expensive, but can be difficult to obtain. Our goal has always been to provide support in whatever way we can, elevating the level of care the lifeguards are able to provide, regardless of the scenario or location.

We are excited to be traveling back to the southern coast in a couple of weeks to provide several days of training and to deliver the supplies your donations have allowed us to purchase. But, we can still use your help. For every need filled, more arise, in Costa Rica and in other communities around the world.