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First Responder - Help in Emergency Medical Services 🚑

5.0
(103 reviews)103

The experience



The participants can expect to develop hands-on skills in real-life emergencies in a practical internship or field volunteering experience as a first responder in Emergency Medical Services. They will learn how to assess patients quickly, perform life-saving interventions, and stabilize patients in a wide range of medical emergencies, including trauma, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and accidents, under the guidance of experienced people

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 25 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers

Description: The cost of the Volunteer Program is 25 USD per day, which covers the participant's accommodation (with a 24-hour pool), breakfast every day of the week, transportation to and from the Volunteer site, a Coffee Tour, and 24-hour bilingual assistance for whatever you may need during your stay.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Dance classes: Take free dance classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English or Beginner Spanish

Between 18 and 70 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Under the guidance of experienced paramedics and healthcare professionals, students will practice essential procedures like CPR, airway management, wound care, splinting, administering medications, and using equipment such as defibrillators and stretchers. They will also gain experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making are critical.
Beyond clinical and technical skills, participants will also develop a deeper understanding of patient care, empathy, and professionalism in stressful situations. They will learn and practice communicating in Spanish calmly and effectively with patients, families, and other emergency responders, ensuring transparent information exchange and patient reassurance. Exposure to diverse scenarios — from roadside accidents and home emergencies to public health crises — will help students build confidence and adaptability. Additionally, they will gain insight into protocols, documentation, and the coordination between different emergency services, preparing them for the realities of a first responder’s day-to-day responsibilities. Learning Medical Spanish is a key component of this experience.

Activities & Shift

Service Term:

Volunteering: Open; may be determined upon initial interview to meet mutual goals.

Available for Combo Options? YES
This option may be combined with other volunteering opportunities.

Work Schedule: Typically 12 hrs./shifts day - Monday-Sunday (7 am - 7 pm or 7 pm to 7 am) - The Participant determines their weekly schedule in collaboration with the volunteer site supervisor.

Rules

Potential projects and day-to-day duties:
Shadow & assist health professionals as directed.
Tasked to compare/contrast to discuss Colombian practices vs. U.S. practices
Support in the creation of information materials for the public
Support in the review of current internal operations processes & procedures for improvement
Public education awareness campaigns to foster a culture of respect for public health
Creating public education programs on disaster management
Helping train students, teachers, and community groups in essential disaster management
Developing evacuation plans and planning/coordinating drills and evacuation strategies
Facilitating a recycling project at elementary schools
Planned and coordinated workshops and exhibitions in communities to build awareness
Cross-train with other related EMS community and government agencies such as the Red Cross, Chinchina Police Department, Chinchina Fire Department, Paramedic Medicine program at the University of Manizales, Palestina Hospital ER, and Colombia Civil Defense.