Medical training began well with all of us going over the basic procedure when finding a casualty. This procedure was extended over the next few days from ‘ABC’ to ‘DRAVPUACBCDGCSESSHVS’ which we promise makes perfect sense at the end of the 8 day course! We were also taught about chronic problems we might encounter as Expedition Leaders and about regional and climate related issues.
During this time we also did our Land Rover training which was enjoyed greatly by all. After the Ralph and Bobby (our Australian medical elective) picked up how to ‘drive stick’ all went well with no rolling incidents and nothing broken by the end of the day (minus a few flattened speed bumps by Bobby who refused to let anything get in his way). We also successfully managed not to break any eggs in the hill start test, another first for TELS groups.
After the Land Rover training we went back for our last medical lessons including a practical day of giving IV’s and suturing. We all managed to successfully give IV’s without causing too much pain although some interesting facial expressions were witnessed during the process.
At this point it began to rain extremely hard and so we prepared for another few days under cover away from the rising creek. We did however need to get supplies from over the creek at one point which involved us passing food over a perilous rope bridge with only a few wooded slats to stand on. Luckily no one fell in and when we returned the next day, the bridge had been reinforced by the local Mennonites who are quite handy with a saw, hammers and nails as it turns out!
We all passed our medical tests the next day and prepared for Guatemala which we would be leaving for the next day for Spanish lessons and the El Mirador Trek. The next update will be from us after conquering the highest Mayan temple in the world!
