Shoreline paramedic to return to Haiti

Eric Adman in Haiti.
Photo courtesy EMPACT NW

Eric Adman, Shoreline Fire Paramedic, will make his second trip to Haiti August 9 as a Medic with the volunteer group EMPACT Northwest.

Eric spent two weeks in Haiti in January of this year with the EMPACT group, providing medical care to Haitians left without services when the earthquake crumbled Port-au-Prince, their major city. (See previous story).

Currently, EMPACT is establishing a pilot project in Haiti to train a crew of Haitian people to become EMT’s and staff the system, alongside EMPACT volunteers. 

The first training class started on July 13 and will run until September 20. 

Adman will be there from August 9-18, teaching a one-week segment of an approximately two month long course.

Eric says, "I like the grassroots nature of EMPACT's work, and working directly with the people in Haiti. 

On my previous trip, I had a chance to work and live with the young Haitian people who will be the core of the EMS service we are helping to set up in Port-Au-Prince. I was very impressed at their composure, dedication, and motivation. 

I am an experienced EMT instructor, so when I heard about the opportunity to help teach EMT's in Haiti and work with this group of people again, I knew I had to do it."

EMPACT, a local non-profit started by a Gig Harbor paramedic, has been sending medical teams to Haiti since the earthquake. You can get more information or contribute to EMPACT at their website.  One of the contributions they seek are air miles from Alaska Airlines.