Cervical Cancer team in South Pakaraimas.

Using the RAM aircraft, Dr Becky Kightlinger and team visited three communities to educate the public on the new MoH cervical cancer screening and treatment program.

Three children from Masakenari flown to see hearing specialists.

Two brothers Mark and John to receive hearing aids at ages 8 and 14. Thanks in part to the SPAN (Specialized Patient Action Network) data base developed by volunteer Joe Barnett of the UK, the two boys will hear their mother call their name normally for the first time in their lives. Children in remote villages need access to these critical services at a much earlier age. Hearing the teachers voice during class for example is critical to a child's education. 

Total Cow S#*t

Live animals pose multiple risks to the air ambulance bush plane that RAM operates in Guyana. A fresh cow pie was redistributed this afternoon while landing at Paramakatoi with the Women's Health team. We were unable to find a heavy rain storm to take advantage of on the way home to Lethem.

Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

Cargo Flight

Last Friday morning we departed in the 206 with a healthy load of cervical cancer screening and treatment equipment. The aircraft is the only means in many cases to reach remote villages in Guyana without spending days on foot, canoe or in a jeep. Maximizing the scarce human resources in medical outreach programs is one way the aircraft saves lives and makes a big impact.
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

Women's Health Team launches new era in the Mazaruni.

Remote Area Medical has been providing cervical cancer screening and treatment in Guyana since 2003 and in the process has served thousands of women in remote indigenous villages. Together with the Ministry of Health, RAM has detected and treated dozens of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions providing major surgeries and even facilitating radiation therapy.

The Ministry last year adopted new cervical cancer screening and treatment protocols nationwide using VIA and cryotherapy. RAM is excited to be a part of this new initiative and has began educating clients in the Upper Mazaruni where teams have been working in every village since 2007. Pictured here is the team at Imbaimadai as they provide education and clinical services.

The team will fly out of this isolated district on March 18th after they complete the remainder of the expedition by boat.

Marudhi Mining Outreach pics

Special thanks to GGMC for their kind assistance and support in assisting with some serious winching, jacking, and four wheeling.  Also kudos to Vanessa mining company for housing and even feeding the medical team members in the jungle camp. Stay tuned for some stunning video of the treacherous road conditions (even by Guyana Standards) that the team had to battle.

Click here for more pics.  Gold and diamond miners are considered at high risk for contracting HIV and commercial sex workers serving the area are a driving factor as well. This was an initial fact finding mission for the project and follow up visits are being planned.  Eye testing and specticle fitting services were also delivered in a multi-service health care package.

 

Canadian RAM team hikes Pacaraima Mountains.

In order to access some of the most remote and under-served communities in the Mountains of Region 8, RAM Canada used the old foot power to get around. A combination of highland savanna and forest make for arguably the most breathtaking views in all of Guyana.

By collaborating with the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Health, a comprehensive team of dentists, opthalmologists, family Doctors and support staff all made the trek covering some six villages. Dr Gary Sampson, the team leader is
pictured here loading up the equipment with Father Paulose of Karukubaru village earlier this week after a busy mission.

The Mashramani Champions 2011!

The Health float out danced and out shined seven other contesting groups to win the coveted Mash parade championship on Wednesday. The Dept of Health in partnership with RAM put together a fabulous combination of costumes, float, music, dance energy and some great health messages to win the approval of the judges. More video and pics to come.

Paddling the Cessna

Floods in Georgetown and more specifically at Ogle aerodrome threatened to ground the RAM air-ambulance operation.

The Monday emergency flight was required to evacuate one with a cardiac emergency and another from the Pacaraima mountains with a double compound fracture.

After picking up supplies for the (winning) Mashramani Health float we were in a great rush to get back to Region 8 to pick up supplies from the departing RAM Canada team.

The water was so deep that taxiing was not an option

RAM reaches Marudi mining area with HIV testing, and prevention.

Pictured here is Michelle Kenyon at Aishalton just prior to entering the bush on a treacherous ride to the mining camps.
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

UK med students complete service in Region 9.

Three UK based medical students recently wrapped up three weeks of volunteering with RAM and the Ministry of Health in southern Guyana. Ben, Joe, and Arjun completed a wide variety of health education and clinical activities.

Some highlights included re-designing the SPAN patient data base, Seminars for volunteers and partners, telemedicine diagnostics for SPAN patients, outreach programs with the RPH truck and even a little mechanic work. Picturted here is Joe making the most of some limited tools to get the job done.

Fractured elbow in Masakenari.

Dr Kanhai, the Regional Health Officer attends to a young client in the Shade of the RAM aircraft. Supplies and stocks for the school teacher and health post were delivered along with Mrs. Yamochi, the Community Health Worker.

Treated patient flown home.

A young client returns to his village after undergoing treatment in the Capital City.

Health truck in the Savannas once again with MoH support.

The Rupununi Partnerships for Health (RPH) project is once again using collaboration to bring critical services to remote Guyanese villages. Pictured here is the RAM truck departing yesterday for three days of outreach to villages including Baitoon, Katu'ur, and Potarinau.

With dental and medical staff from the Ministry of Health, UK based medical volunteers and a crew from RAM Guyana, a truly comprehensive education and service package is in action. Supported in part by the CDC as an HIV prevention project, the strategy is to maximize every transportation dollar, offering other key services while fighting the stigma associated with HIV in the interior.

The new additions for this trip are the high speed dental drill, suction and coolant system on board along with 8'x8' clinic tents for patient privacy and HIV testing.

Medical volunteers from Guyana and abroad are encouraged to apply to volunteer with the RAM health truck.

Successful Evacuation.

Only the specially equipped six seater Cessna is capable of hauling out the five adult males and their baggage as in today's flight. Pictured is blood on the floor of the RAM aircraft after the injured were lifted into the back of a taxi for the dash to Georgetown public hospital.

Emergency evacuation of motorcycle accident victims.

The RAM aircraft was once again called into action today as two trauma cases were rushed to Georgetown for surgical intervention. Both patients received fractures and multiple lacerations in a motor-vehicle accident in the Lethem area. A third and unrelated patient from Fairview village was also transported suffering from an ulcer in his nose accompanied by a nurse from Lethem Regional Hospital.