Belize Red Cross members save lives after car accident

Two members of the Belize Red Cross (BRC) have received praise for their quick action following a road accident last month.

First Aid instructor Jon Ramnarace and disaster relief coordinator Lizet Aldana were driving along Belize’s Northern Highway on October 3rd. They were coming from doing food distributions in Corozal district. Eight miles outside the capital Belize City they found themselves behind a swerving vehicle.

“I knew something was going to happen as I saw the car in front of me swaying from side to side, but really I hoped it didn’t.  Lizet and I were just six feet away when the accident occurred and, although very tired from a hectic day, my reflexes were quick to apply breaks,” says Jon.

“I immediately, without even considering my first move, rushed out of the vehicle to check if anyone was hurt.  Then I saw the two elderly people, a man and a woman. They were shaken and hurt, but luckily still alive. I quickly ordered standers-by not to touch them as I did my checks of vital signs and Lizet kept talking to them to keep them awake and alert. It was frightening but I was able to use my knowledge of First Aid and kept my composure”.

The driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a trailer. The vehicle was a total wreck.

Lily Bowman, BRC director general said while she sat watching television, she saw familiar faces. “I was startled to see the news item about an accident on the Northern Road. I saw pictures of the accident scene, then I saw two people I am very familiar with, Jon and Lizet.  I knew they were to return from Corozal, where they were carrying out food distributions. I thought they were involved in the accident!  Later that night Jon called me and told me about his experience as the first responder, how he proceeded with his First Aid exercises, called the ambulance right away and saved two lives.”

Bowman said she and the BRC are proud of Ramnarace and Aldana. ”I am very proud of this team and am now very confident of the effectiveness of our First Aid programme.  This team acted in true Red Cross manner and showed their commitment to the seven Fundamental Principles and Values that they have learned over their time at BRC”.