B.E.L. donation assists BERT to maintain ambulance services
We cover a lot of violent crimes and road accidents and it’s not unusual for our news crew to arrive at a scene only to find the flashing lights of an ambulance. And while we know how important their work is, many Belizeans may not be aware that the people who provide those emergency medical services are often working under great stress with barely adequate resources. Janelle Chanona reports on one company’s generous response to those needs.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
During brief handing over ceremonies this morning, Belize Electricity Limited and its parent company Fortis jointly donated ten thousand dollars to the Belize Emergency Response Team. The cheque comes with a commitment that an additional ten thousand dollars will be contributed over the next two years.
Lynn Young, Chief Executive Officer, B.E.L.
“I want to urge here on camera, each and every Belizean to give appreciation and thanks to BERT and to support the work that they are doing. We start with ten thousand dollars today and again I want to encourage other organizations and individuals to join us whatever way they can to make a positive contribution to this team of deserving Belizean workers.”
According to National Coordinator Yvette Burks, the money will be used to purchase equipment.
Yvette Burks, National Coordinator, BERT
“We are going to probably have to replace a couple of pulse oximeters. Those are little equipments which make it very quick and fast for us to work on patients, get their vital signs and assessment. Over time these things get damaged and those are very, very costly pieces of equipment. That is only one. We also will need to acquire a few other items, simple things like jump kits, that they need for carrying around their supplies so that they can quickly get stuff you know. Regulators for the oxygen tanks. These things get damaged after four or five years of use.”
And while the donation is greatly appreciated, the cash is just a drop in the pond.
Yvette Burks
“We have so many outstanding bills, it’s just sad and many people can pay, I think they just don’t feel that need to or should and we try to collect but we are not beating down people’s doors.”
BERT paramedics respond to an average of two hundred and fifty calls every month, a hundred of which are classified as emergencies. But confusion over how the non-profit organization works has racked up the receivables.
Yvette Burks
“If you are going to a private facility, if you are going to Universal or Medical Associates when we pick you up with a heart attack for example, we automatically know, either you have the money to pay them or you have insurance. Therefore we ask you, can you please contribute to our cost.”
“We pick up granny who just fell down off a bed; obviously it looks like things are hard, we drop her to the hospital and we say this is not a charged run but would you consider donating? You can then show up with a hundred dollars and say, here BERT, thank you or not at all. And that is up to you.”
BERT was established in August 1999 by the Government of Belize and the Wagner Foundation to assume responsibility for emergency services in the Belize District. As part of the agreement, the Wagners agreed to invest thousands of dollars in infrastructure, training and equipment for the first five years of the organisation’s life. But since expiration of that period, things have not been easy.
Arsenio Burgos, Chairman, BERT Board
“Our hope of sustainability is pinned on N.H.I. And until that scheme is implemented, BERT will continue to rely on Belizean good will to provide funding.”
Jorge Polanco, Acting Director of Health Services
“If we really try to put a value of what BERT has done in saving lives, there is no way we could put a value to that.”
Acting Director Health Services Jorge Polanco sits on BERT’s board. Polanco admits that a lack of resources have forced BERT’s efforts to be concentrated in the Belize district.
Jorge Polanco
“Really we have not gone too deep in those discussions because we want to make sure that we consolidate the financial sustainability of the organization here in the Belize District. It was discussed for example, many, many, many months ago for example extending to Orange Walk but the discussions did not really go through. We realize that there is still need to secure a firm, sustainable financial income for the organization for Belize District before we can expand.”
Janelle Chanona
“You’re satisfied in the level of service being distributed in the districts?”
Jorge Polanco
“I would say yes, however with a clause that of course, there is always room for improvement. Even BERT at the beginning the services provided were X, right now it has been increased very significantly. For the districts this is something similar. The emergency management capacity has gone through a gradual increase over the years at the surgical area for example. But we also know there is still room for improvement so it’s just a matter of time and continually making sure that we address those weak areas.”
Emergency services required in the districts are provided by ambulance teams dispatched from government-run regional hospitals as well as private medical facilities. Reporting for News Five, I am Janelle Chanona.
BERT also provides non-emergency commercial ambulance services such as hospital transfers and other patient transport. If you would like to assist BERT in its efforts please call Yvette Burks at 223-3292.
