By Jonathon Bryant, Director SOLO Southeast.
I’ve just returned from a 16 day expedition to Toledo in Southern Belize. As well as being the director of SOLO Southeast, I also run a 501(c)(3) charity called MedicForce (www.medicforce.org). MedicForce provides sustainable medical relief to remote communities throughout the world, focusing on immediate care, education and training.
We had an amazing team with us consisting of three paramedics, a PA, a solar engineer, videographer and four SOLO students with qualifications from WFA to WEMT. Our trip focused on traveling to extremely remote Mayan villages and training community health workers in all aspects of patient assessment, pharmacology and emergency childbirth.
Getting SOLO students on board with these expeditions is huge! I get so many questions from students; ‘how do I get to work overseas?’ or ‘I’ve tried volunteering for medical relief projects but all they want is my cash.’ Here at SOLO Southeast, we only employ instructors that live what they teach. Our instructors are outdoor professionals, explorers and adventures, not just teachers. I feel it is my duty to continue to practice what I preach and challenge myself as much as my students. Starting MedicForce was that catalyst for adventure, medical aid and providing students an opportunity to get involved. Taking a class at SOLO Southeast may well change your career, your opportunities and maybe, your entire life!
