Congrats Surama on the New Airstrip.

Pictured here is the brand new airstrip at the hot cultural eco-tourism destination. It's actually been open for a few weeks although we got to take these pictures on an emergency flight yesterday afternoon.

A transverse presentation (pregnancy complications) out of Crashwater made it out to Annai in time of a quick trip to the capitol city by sunset. An emergency c-section was the only option with the babies hand already showing.

The Bullock Cart Ambulance.

This turned out to be the best way to transport an emergency case from the far side of Sawariwau village to the airstrip this morning for evacuation.

Nurse Midwife Lorna Ambrose had to climb aboard the old wooden cart to separate the healthy baby boy from the semi- conscious mother with a retained placenta. A few injections, an infusion, and some oxygen later, the patient was loaded into the air-ambulance by the villagers and dashed to Lethem.

Passing over submerged roads, swollen creeks, and rivers the aircraft contributes some of it's best work during the rainy season. Thanks to all those who make it possible with their contributions.

Road to South Rupununi Cut Off.

The road serving dozens of Villages, settlements and ranches throughout the South Rupununi Savannas has been cut off due to flooding. The creeks feeding the Takutu river have backed up causing the obstruction

As mentioned previously it is typical to see an early moderate spike in water levels prior to a major flood but the amplitude of this surge or 'warning shot' is reportedly unprecedented in comparison to recent years.

Two emergency calls came in this morning from that district with a retained placenta at Sawariwau and a case of multiple fractures in Aishalton. The aircraft is responding at this time. Thank you for supporting the work of Remote Area Medical.

Lethem Flood waters stabilize - recede some.

Attached here is a recent aerial picture of the Lethem area.

More Rain for the Rupununi.

This satellite image from this morning shows some significant weather in the area of Region 9. Both the Takutu and Ireng water shed areas will be experiencing additional inputs that threaten to exacerbate the flood situation.

It does appear, by viewing the animation trend (thanks NASA) that the storms are dissipating during the course of this morning.

Lethem Officially flooded. Water rises again overnight.

There are numerous residences flooded, water touching the airstrip, and covering many of the main streets. Heavy thunderstorms hit the area overnight and rain continues to fall.

Steps have already been taken to set up the RAM truck for evacuations and potable water distribution as the community volunteers are mobilized. Close collaboration with the Regional Authorities and CDC is important to coordinate the most efficient response.

The RAM aircraft is scheduled to fly into the area this morning to help assist with the efforts. Thanks to Matthew Abraham for this photo showing the flooded road in front of the Lethem Market.

The levels are still far below the peak of last years flood but it is clearly past the point of watching and hoping.

A Community Volunteers meeting scheduled at the RAM office in Lethem for 1pm today. Drivers with vehicles available for evacuating families encouraged to also be there.

Takutu River rises. Residents on Alert.

The community of Lethem is on alert as water levels of the Takutu have risen early this year. RAM representatives have been invited to attend another planning and strategy meeting this afternoon together with local leaders to prepare potential flooding.

In June of 2011 this community experience record high flood waters that dispaced hundreds of families forcing them into makeshift shelters. It is not uncommon to have initial high water levels reduce in the early rainy season and them rise again with more serious flooding as occurred last year.

Floods routinely affect numerous outlying indigenous villages as well and many more by cut-off access roads and flooded farmlands. RAM Guyana works with the Civil Defence Commission, Local Authorities, other agencies, and vollunteers to prepare and respond to hazardous and disaster situations.

Pictured here is a boat loading passengers near the Lethem Public Market today. Stay tuned for updates.

Sunrise Departure.

A 35 year old male has allegedly been shot by an arrow to the back in the village of Aishalton. The RAM air-ambulance received a call (through facebook) at 2am last night and is airborne currently to respond. The Rupununi River is reported to be high and impassable by vehicle at present.

Pictured here is some of the scenery just after sunrise.

In Labor, At Altitude.

How do you know when it's genuine active labor? When the time between contractions does not allow the pregnant mother to walk from the muddy Land-Rover to the aircraft without collapsing in pain.

Nurse-Midwife Shirlene Nash and the patient's mother accompanied the 32 year old woman to the Lethem Hospital in the RAM air-ambulance. Under the care of Dr. Godette the patient was able to deliver a healthy baby at the upgraded facility. Although obstetric emergencies still generate a significant number of flights every year, RAM has seen a noticeable reduction over the years as training and capacity building throughout the sector has made an impact.

Rupununi Rodeo 2012 Video Clip: Wild Bronco.

Local RAM Volunteer Wins Recognition for Excellent Service

Pictured here is Eric Ferriera, a RAM Guyana Volunteer who has been awarded an introductory flight lesson for his outstanding service, donating his time to help the less fortunate. Eric was able to help pilot the RAM Air-Ambulance on a recent emergency flight that had space for an additional passenger.

As a student at the St Ignatius Secondary school, Eric has been recognized for his service particularly during the floods of 2011 that severely affected the Lethem area. He is always quick to take on the tough jobs and complete them with a smile on his face. Thank you Eric for contributing to this organization and the folks we serve.

We Have a Winner. Two Actually.

The client holding card number 334 has been drawn as the lucky winner of the Digicel Blackberry phone for the Rodeo health promotion. The winner for the dinner for two at Pegasus is the holder of card number 003. Let them both come forward to claim their prizes.

The HIV testing campaign under the RPH project was designed to target drivers - a relatively high risk and 'bridging population' in the context of Southern Guyana.

Their numbers were drawn publicly and at random by the Deputy Regional Executive Officer from Region Nine at the RDC office in Lethem. Due to the hype surrounding the high tech smart phone, an additional sixteen clients were tested and counseled immediately prior to the drawing.

Special thanks to Digicel and the Pegasus Hotel for supporting this grass roots intervention to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and raise awareness among a vulnerable population.

Congratulations Stan Brock, CNN Hero.

Stan Brock the founder and director of Remote Area Medical has been acknowledged under the well known CNN Hero program.

To find out more click on the link featured on the RAM Guyana facebook page (/RAM.Guyana). Stan was first inspired to start the Medical Humanitarian organization while living in Southern Guyana for fifteen years as a barefoot cowboy among the Wapishana Indians.

Pictured here is emergency evacuation this week from Yurong Paru Village in the Pakaraima Mountains. Medex Orlando Vasquez helped safely airlift a woman experiencing pregnancy complications.

Grand Rodeo Drawing this Afternoon at RDC Office.

Due to popular demand, the drawing of the Digicel Blackberry hand piece, dinner for two at Pegasus, and other prizes has been re-scheduled for this afternoon.  It will now be held at the Regional Democratic Council office in Lethem.  This gives folks one last chance to locate the RAM mobile health team at a location near you in Lethem for a chance to win big.

Special thank to all the companies that came on board to support and the volunteers who got the work done, despite some unfavorable weather conditions.

Pictured here is a genuine barefoot cowboy at the Rupununi Rodeo on Sunday afternoon.  He is getting ready to saddle up and ride a wild bronco (with the stirrups wedged between his toes) at the Tripple R ground in Lethem.

Image (c) Terrence Trapnell

GTM joins RAM to promote road safety on Easter weekend.

Strap up and make sure to drive safe for the holidays. These bumper stickers are limited and going really fast. Show your rodeo spirit and promote road safety at the same time. Contact a RAM Guyana Volunteer near you or send us a Facebook message to stash one for you. Big Thanks to GTM Insurance for their support of this community based initiative.

Behind God's Back

The middle of nowhere. Back in the sticks. Till at de back. Deep in the wilderness... These are all really bad places to have your appendix start acting up in a serious way.

If you were born, raised and reside in one of the aforementioned - Masakenari village for example, pictured here early this morning - you'd depend exclusively on aviation for access in life-threatening medical situations.

Thanks to Yowkie Mawasha for providing up to the minute meteorological information over the HF radio on a typically foggy and rainy morning.