CHISPA GLOBAL

Organization

1. Is PFCAC a registered non profit organization?

   Pediatricians for Central America's Children is a certified 501 c 3 non profit

2. What countries in Central America do you work in?

   Currently we work exclusively in El Salvador. We have worked in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic in the past but have chosen to concentrate our efforts in El Salvador

3. How Can I HELP?

   PFCAC is always in need of funds for medical missions. Donations can be made through PAypal or to the address on the home page.

   Medications and equipment doantions are always welcome. Medications must expire later than one year from a trip date or we can't take it. Medications not used on the trip are given to the local doctors for use in their clinics.

   Anyone wanting to join us on a trip should become a member of this website. You will be updated about future missions through emails.
   

   
   

Medical Missions

1. How often do you go to El Salvador for medical missions?

   We go to EL Salvador twice yearly although we may go more often in the future

2. Who pays for members of the group to go on medical missions?

   All travel, housing and food costs for a mission are paid for by the individuals who go on the trip. No fundraising moneys are used to pay for members to go on these missions. Any funds raised are used to buy supplies and equipment used to help patients or hospitals in El Salvador

3. How long are the missions?

   Medical missions are generally 7 days but at times have extended to 8 or 9 days

Travelling to El Salvador

1. What do I need to bring on a mission trip?

   Pediatricians for Central America’s Children

   Mission Survival Guide

   Volunteer responsibilities:

   • Requesting and obtaining supplies and donations

   • Packaging of medication and supplies

   • Participation and assistance in planning/ heading projects

   • Familiarization of current standard of care and medical practice specific to the population being served.

   What you will need:

   1. An open and flexible mindset. (Are you able to work in providing healthcare under sub-optimal conditions and frequently changing schedules?)

   2. Desire to share medical knowledge as well as to learn from others.

   3. Funds for trip: Total cost, is approximately $1,000. (Airfare ~ $500, hotel ~$200, transportation ~$100, food ~$100 and any personal money you would like to bring).

   4. *Travel documents: Passport (green card/visa if needed)

   5. *Current license in field of practice

   6. Vaccinations: These are completely OPTIONAL and prophylaxis is your personal decision. Based on the past/usual locations of our trips, they have not been necessary, but should things change we will inform you.

    Hepatitis A vaccine- Schedule is 2 doses with second dose 6 mos after 1st. BUT 95%-99% of adults seroconvert 1 month after 1st dose.

    Malaria Prophylaxis- (most do not take). Directions for chloraquine:

   • The adult dosage is 500 mg chloroquine phosphate once a week. First dose 1 week before arrival in the malaria-risk area, then once a week, on the same day of the week, while in the malaria-risk area followed by one dose once a week for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area.

   • Chloroquine should be taken on a full stomach to lessen nausea.

   • Side Effects: The most common side effects reported by travelers taking chloroquine include nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision and itching. May worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Most do not have side effects serious enough to stop taking the drug. Other antimalarial drugs are available if you cannot tolerate chloroquine; see your health care provider.

    Tetanus: up to date?

   Typhoid/ Rabies- mentioned by CDC- but not recommended.

   * These items MUST be submitted far in advance of each trip as requested.

   What you should bring: (Recommended)

   • Your own medical equipment. (For general medical personnel: Stethoscope, Otoscope, Ophthalmoscope, ear speculums, tongue depressors, BP cuff, penlight, gloves, gauze, alcohol swabs, bandaids)

   • Antibacterial hand wash and/or wipes

   • Insect Repellant (Bug Spray)

   • Sunscreen

   • Pens

   • Backpack or bag for carrying your supplies

   • Light-weight comfortable clothes for work (usually scrubs)

   • Evening clothes for dinner- nice but nothing fancy

   • Comfortable shoes (recommend closed for daytime work,)

   • Any personal medications and/or meds “just in case” (anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, allergy meds, ant-itch)

   • Toiletries – travel size

   What you may also want to bring:

   • Camera/ Camcorder ●Drug reference book

   • Personal spending money ●Spanish Dictionary

   • Bathing suit

   • Towel

   • Rain gear

   • Sunglasses and/ or hat

   Luggage Requirements: Carry on sized luggage only! No checked baggage. (This is why your toiletries need to be travel-size).

   We will use your allotted luggage space for medications and supplies.