Each one teach one....

Each one teach one.  You've heard that, right?  Show somebody something...then have them show someone else...and on and on and on and on.  And soon everybody knows.     The whole crew has caught on.

I write these words because I recently had the opportunity to sit in on another continuing education class.   I will say that there are a million humbling moments for me here in the DR (well, actually...in my LIFE) but sometimes the moments given to share with/educate others just slay me.  Michael Trompak and Bill Neiss and Jen Lacey (Paramedic and EMTs) were here with a recent team and given an opportunity to teach some Emergency Medical Response at the hospital.   On  Wednesday we were given a fabulous tour of the hospital by our hospitalist friend Dr. Ranfis and thought that was it for our week...and then suddenly Ranfis invited them to teach a last minute "emergency response class" on Thursday.    You see, here in San Juan your ambulance driver may be your "paramedic" or your "EMT"...without training.   The majority of the time- your ambulance driver is the only one in the ambulance with you except your family members and he's the one driving like crazy to get you to the capital 3 hours away.  Oxygen is a privilege, not a right.    There is no 911.  At least not yet.    In certain cases a nurse or doctor can go with you in the ambulance but it's often difficult and there may not be anyone available.  

Needless to say, our EMS class was full of Ambulance "Chofers" (drivers), along with some nurses, a firefighter, and 2 doctors.   Everyone wanted to participate and ask questions and tell stories.   One driver brought me nearly to tears with statements like "we want to save lives...we want to have the knowledge to help the people in our ambulances...we just don't know what to do".    They were given a LOT of very basic information on stretchers, using oxygen, lifting techniques, using the monitors,  bedside manners, appropriate siren use (hahahahah!), etc.    Some of the chofers had come to the class on less than 24 hour notice from at least 2 hours away.    The information was THAT important to them.      I am ashamed of every single time I have yawned or snored in any class that I ever taken in my whole life.  EDUCATION IS SUCH A PRIVILEGE.

Again, it just humbles me at the hunger that folks have for knowledge.   I'm still not exactly sure what our next steps are to continue to build Educational and EMS/Paramedic programs but it's on our Future List and Prayer List.   Dr. Canario had GOOSEBUMPS on his arms talking about the potential for further education.    In my mind I also think about Childbirth Education classes or Breastfeeding Classes in the future and I just get beyond excited.   Granted, it's probably a few years away.  But it Could.  Be.  On.  The.  Way.

One day.   The New clinic.   The Revolution is coming!   I'm psyched.  We are closer and closer and closer!    Check out the pix below of Michael, Bill, Jen Lacey, Star translator Nefthali, our skeleton model Stan, and our torso model Wilson plus all the wonderful attendees of the class.

So below here is Baby Nicole's newest niece!  YUP- you read that correctly.   Nicolita is the youngest of 8 (or 9?) so she's got some older siblings who have their own children.  This is 4 month old Maria Christina.  I could just kiss her squishy cheeks all day.  

And below is Miss Sneaky Pants, Nicolita herself.   Her great joy is to ride in the truck with us when we visit.   She's hiding behind the seat giggling here.  :)

And as promised, El Gordo has to make the blog.   I promise that he's laughing and grinning every second that I do NOT have my phone camera on me.  Happiest kid EVER.