Los bomberos

During our trip, our group split into two. One group would go with the Red Cross one day, the other to work with the firemen - bomberos. Our group would alternate on the following day so both could experience the local medical services.

When my group arrived at the Central Fire Station in Puerto Peñasco, we were greeted by Captain Jose Cruz, who had worked in the department for over 43 years. He explained that in Peñasco there were three stations, each with five working EMTs working 24-hour shifts. The bomberos were said to be a mix of volunteers and several paid employees.

According to Cruz, the central station responded to three to four medical calls each day on average. The local bomberos act as back-up responders for the Red Cross if the need arises, such as in a car wreck or traumatic injury.

Each of the three fire stations in Puerto Peñasco have an ambulance, which Cruz explained are all donated by the United States. This also extends to several of the fire engines and the tiller located at the Central Station.

The firehouses also act as a place for locals to pickup needed medical equipment like crutches, slings, oxygen and more. These items are checked out to residents and are typically returned, as the residents realize the need for services like this one.