Ecuadorian Red Cross and Mobile Clinic

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Medical services in Ecuador are limited and don't always reach all of the population. One of the main problems relates to the low numbers of medical professionals. In rural areas it is estimated that two doctors for every 1000 habitants work in medical centers and hospitals, the others are resident doctors and interns. Approximately 30% of the population cannot access to the public heath service, and private service is not affordable for them.

Institutions such as the Ecuadorian Red Cross work to give a better health assistance to the Ecuadorian population. It offers health care service in different areas. The Ecuadorian Red Cross also developed a mobile and dental clinic program in Quito with the purpose of giving proper health assistance to schools in rural communities. (Closed during summer vacations: June, July and August). Volunteers can assist local doctors during their visits to the communities twice or three times a week according to the needs of the communities. Participants can choose to volunteer with the medical center, the mobile clinic, or experience both.

Volunteer role:
The volunteers are expected to perform basic medical procedures at the beginning:
- Assisting with first aid procedures such as treating wounds and doing tests
- Helping with basic tasks in the emergency room
- Assisting in the laboratory
- Working in the pharmacy
- Doing simple administrative work
- Assisting with physical therapy
- Assisting with small surgeries
- Assisting in the blood testing laboratory
- Working in the rehabilitation clinic

Highlights:
* Personalized Volunteer placement in Ecuador, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
* Orientation including a walking tour of Quito
* A comfortable, safe place to live in Quito area, the basic amenities, all of your meals except lunch, and transportation from the airport to your homestay.
* An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Ecuador.
* In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes.
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to GeoVisions' participants worldwide.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
* Two-months membership at Pongo Resume to help volunteers get their experience recorded on their resume.
* The President's Volunteer Service Award including a lapel pen, signed letter from President Barack Obama and a certificate.

Qualifications: Volunteers should have some medical experience. (Nursing and medical students are welcome.) Knowledge of Spanish is needed.

Cost in US$: Please see website for prices.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: All volunteers must be 18 years old or older. Volunteers need to have a desire to learn about another culture and teach about theirs. All interested participants must complete a GeoVisions application.

Age Range: 18 above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001