Mashramani Emergency

Minutes after sunrise on the morning of the 42nd anniversary of the Republic, two emergency patients were not having their best holiday - they lifted off in a Medevac flight en route to the capital city. A fourteen year old boy had developed an acute abdomen the night before and was already prepped for emergency surgery. A Rupununi woman with a gynecological emergency was also on board to seek medical assistance.

Guyana regulations require flights of this type to be conducted between sunrise and sunset. Both patients were stable upon arrival at Ogle International Aerodrome and the Ministry of Health Ambulance was waiting at the gate on arrival.

Region 9 Mashramani Champions! (Again).

Congratulations to all the Health Dept Staff and RAM Volunteers who put together a winning float and performance in the 2012 Mash competition held yesterday in Lethem.

Valentines to Mash time.

A few quick highlights from the month so far:

-The Annual inspection on the Air Ambulance has been completed and your friendly RAM plane is once again in the skies.

- Valentines day couples testing promotion in the Lethem area has been completed with one lucky couple winning a dinner for two at a leading local establishment. Getting tested for HIV together with your spouse or partner is all it took be eligible.

- German's Resturant is the latest private sector partner to come on board and support Remote Area Medical Guyana. Stay tuned for details.

- A pre Mash health outreach in partnership with the Lethem Hospital was conducted Saturday at the Public Market.

- The Canadian supported sanitation initiative in response to the floods of 2011 has been completed. Ten broken down and flood affected pit latrines have been replaced with new flush toilet facilities with concrete septic systems. Photos to be posted shortly.

- The Mashramani float parade is looking like it may see a repeat of last years champion - the health delegation. RAM has once again partnered with the Dept of Health and is preped to put on a zizzling display while at the same time promoting key health messages. Stay tuned for pics, judging results, and photos from the big day.

Spark of Life

Cleaning and 'gapping' the spark plugs is one of the routine maintenance items on the big Continental six-cylinder engine.

Did you know: Every cylinder has two plugs, each fired by a separate engine-driven magneto. Once started the engine requires no battery power to operate.

Annual inspection time.

Special thanks to Delmar and Stalin for once again volunteering their time today to help put the RAM air ambulance back together. Once every year the aircraft is inspected in great detail to help ensure that all systems are in excellent working order.

Routine scheduled maintenance throughout the year is also critical to ensure the highest level of safety in flight.

Volunteers help keep our operating expenses lower but fuel, spare parts, and highly skilled services are expensive. Thank you for considering financial support for this life saving aircraft.