Hello fellow Rotarians,
It’s likely that every one
of us has been touched in some way by the urgent need for medical assistance.
The fast and efficient response to our urgent need for aid is something we New
Zealanders often take for granted. The proven life saving capabilities of a
functioning ambulance service profoundly affects the injured, their families
and friends, their community and ultimately everyone in the country.
The provision of this
ambulance allows us the opportunity to have a positive impact and influence in
a country that is struggling to provide improvements to life that we are easily
familiar with.
The
ambulance is a 1990 Chevrolet Sierra. It has seen service and helped save
countless lives, injury and illness, mainly in the Wairarapa and is well suited
to continuing that service in the Solomon Islands. Mechanical servicing and maintenance are important to ensure
the ambulance is operational whenever it is needed. Proven durability, readily
available spare parts and a lack of sophistication and computers mean this
ambulance is likely to have a minimum of down time and can be confidently
maintained locally. Its robust chassis construction means it is well able to
cope with some of the poorer roads it is likely to encounter.
The
Ambulance has been purchased from Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) in an
arrangement that includes uniforms and wet weather clothing, medical equipment
and supplies. It also includes the provision of two professional Ambulance
personnel to travel to the Solomon’s to train and instruct the local medical
staff.
One
of the challenges is getting the ambulance to its destination. We are
incredibly fortunate in that we have the assistance of the New Zealand Defence
Force. The ambulance will be transported from Wellington to Auckland aboard an
army transporter to be loaded on to the HMNZS Canterbury. After arriving in
Honiara the ambulance will be transferred to the USS Pearl harbour for delivery
to Gizo, where the Solomon Island Medical Authorities have decided will be home
base and where the ambulance will help fill a large need.
Local
companies have been quick to assist with the preparation of the ambulance and
our thanks go in particular to Computaleta Ltd and Concept Signs Ltd for
supplying the materials for and providing design and installation of the new
graphics. Looks great!
The
funding for the ambulance is in two parts.
Firstly
the purchase and equipping, including the paramedics, travel, uniforms and
refurbishment. The delivery and transportation. Unbelievably all of that has
been done for $20,000! I know ! Brilliant just Brilliant.
Secondly
the continued support for operation, servicing and maintenance. The Solomon
Islands Medical authority is like many, under budgetary stress. Couple that
with the change to increased independence and the need for a period of further
support is clear. This means we need a group of 10 clubs agreeing to provide
$200 per year for up to five years. This will be managed by Petone Club who
will be one of the funders.
Please
consider pledging an amount to the Solomon Islands Ambulance.
Thank
you for your consideration and support.
Yours
in Rotary
The Petone Rotary Ambulance Team.
Colin Partington
Tel: 021 869 231
email: president@petonerotary.org.nz
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