.png)
At Empact, our commitment to reducing disaster vulnerability in underserved communities has reached new heights in Belize. Our recent two-week mission has laid the groundwork for a revolutionary change in emergency response for over 100,000 residents in the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts of Northern Belize.
From May 20-24, our team, led by dedicated Empact instructors and four skilled Belizean Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Dispatchers, conducted intensive training sessions for local firefighters. This mission, part of our ongoing emergency systems development program in Belize, focused on extending dispatch service to the Orange Walk and Corozal districts, and expanding and professionalizing the ECC.
The training covered crucial areas:
Training for firefighters in ECC operations, radio communications, and Computer-Aided Dispatch
Implementation of the Beacon CAD system from Empact partners, Trek Medics
Preparation for the expansion of the 990 emergency number
Coordination with US Embassy-funded EMR training to enhance pre-hospital care
Radio operations and effective communications
This initiative runs in parallel with Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training provided through a US Embassy Grant to Belize Heroes. The synergy between these programs is preparing firefighters to provide basic pre-hospital medical care as ambulances arrive in their districts.
Currently, fire responders receive emergency calls through walk-ins to the station or calls to their stations' 7 digit landline numbers. Soon, this will change dramatically. Residents will call 990 and be connected to the centralized ECC in Belmopan. Trained dispatchers will answer, enter the call into Beacon, and dispatch responders via radio and the Beacon Dispatch app. This centralization promises faster, more efficient emergency response for over 100,000 Belizeans.
What makes this mission truly remarkable is the dedication of the Belizean dispatchers. These professionals have been volunteering their time to staff the ECC 24/7/365, receiving only a small stipend. Many spend a significant portion of their earnings on transportation to and from the ECC, often adding hours to their day. Despite these challenges, they maintain an unwavering commitment to their profession, even conducting monthly refresher training.
Today, we're thrilled to announce that approval for 16 full-time fire service employee positions has been submitted and is being processed! This development will provide these dedicated dispatchers with the recognition and compensation they deserve.
Your support makes these life-changing missions possible. Every donation contributes to our ability to train, prepare, and respond where we're needed most. Help us continue this vital work by donating today.
Together, we're building a safer, more resilient Belize and changing lives across the globe
コメント