Guatemala 2013: Day 3
Monday, August 12, 2013
Today began our training with the dedicated, hard-working men and women of the Guatemalan rescue and fire departments! An opening ceremony in the morning helped establish more goodwill between us and the Guatemalans. We were surprised and extremely humbled to see the rescate and the bomberos salute at full attention for the United States national anthem as well as their own. Speakers went on to express their gratitude for our presence here, praising our skill in instruction and recalling their recognition of the team in 2010 as “Ambassadors of the Peace.” Chief Pease and the coordinator for Paramedics for Children even had an interview with a television crew.
Once the ceremony was complete, we broke off into our respective groups to begin training in Fire, Lowers and Raises, High Lines, Vehicle Extrication and Helicopter Rescue. All of the instructors were extremely pleased with the hard work and wonderful positive attitude of those training. Unfortunately, the Helo class was unable to get up in the air but they still rappelled off a staircase and so received beneficial instruction nonetheless. Rain arrived in the afternoon but no one’s spirits were dampened in the least. We continue to feel honored to be here and look forward to the rest of the week!
