Chilean Physician Learns about EMS System Design
In late July, REMSA Health welcomed Dr. Alvaro Mardones, an Emergency Medicine physician from Santiago, Chile. Dr. Mardones first came to know about our region and our organization through Sparks Fire Captain Nauhm of Engine 12, who previously volunteered as a firefighter in Chile alongside one of Dr. Mardones’ colleagues.
Currently, Dr. Mardones serves as the technical director of the prehospital service at Clínica Alemana in Santiago, where he provides leadership for approximately 50 personnel, 12 ambulances, and an Agusta AW109 aeromedical helicopter program that responds to approximately 5,000 calls each year.
As Clínica Alemana continues to expand its prehospital and aeromedical services, Dr. Mardones is visiting our region to gain insight into established EMS systems and best practices. His interests include system design, dispatch and communications, training and education, clinical protocols, equipment, operational coordination and medical leadership.
Over several weeks Dr. Mardones has had the opportunity to observe several aspects of our regional EMS system, including ride-alongs with Sparks Fire and REMSA Health crews, time in dispatch, participation in medical leadership discussions, observation of Care Flight operations and trainings with our special teams. This experience will provide valuable opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration while strengthening international relationships within the emergency services community.
Dr. Mardones has 17 years of experience in emergency medicine and more than 20 years as a volunteer firefighter specializing in medical response and disaster operations. Throughout his career, he has participated in complex emergency responses, including multiple-casualty incidents and international disaster deployments, notably the 2010 Haiti earthquake response as part of an INSARAG-accredited Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team.
It has been our pleasure to host Dr. Mardones and to exchange ideas and share best. Thank you Captain Nauhm for the opportunity to host Dr. Mardones.
