HELP!!

This week I was running at Barigui Park when I saw something unusual. Several ruined cars, many firefighters, some food trucks. I was curious, so I went to check out what was going on. It was the World Rescue Challenge – 2016, an anual event, organized by the World Rescue Organizations – WRO, promoted here in Curitiba by the Associação Brasileira de Resgate e Salvamento – ABRES. Car rescue teams from all over the world came to compete and share experiences. Teams from Brazil, Spain, United States, France, Portugal, Colombia, Luxembourg, Romania, Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia and many other countries attended.

Some car accidents are simulated for the challenge, with a victim, and the rescue teams came to rescue the victim. The “accidents” are from diferente seriousness levels. Before arriving to the scene the teams were confined because you never know in advance what you are going to find in an accident. Everything is done to look real. The commitment of the teams is also real.

I was wondering how I would feel if I were involved in a car accident, hurt and stuck. Scared, afraid, in pain… The arrival of a rescuer would bring me some hope.

I’ve always deeply respected rescuers, but after watching a rescue and talking to some rescuers I admire them even more. They are with us in a very fragile moment and they do whatever is possible to save us, even putting their own lives at risk.

I had the opportunity to talk to some rescuers and I was really impressed.

When we saw an accident we don’t realize how difficult is to rescue a victim alive from a destroyed car. Beyond equipment, much technique, quick reasoning and team work are required.

The rescuers work really impressed me, specially their commitment and dedication. Team Spain told me that they had some financial support for the plane tickets, but all the other expenses were on their own. They explain that they think that the investment is worth because being with rescuers from other teams and countries learning and sharing experiences is very importante to increase the quality of their work.

I also talked to Team Romania and to a Brazilian team. They also agree that the opportunity of attending to the challenge is a great experience that improve the quality of their work.

We live in a very fast and chaotic world. We are always in a hurry and can’t wait. We must arrive fast, arrive first. We can’t wait to talk on our cel phones. We are stressed and angry and sometimes we show it with our behavior on the streets. We put our and others lives at risk. Most of the car accidents are caused by human imprudence. At this moment the rescuers arrive with all their equipment, and technique, but most of all, with their dedication and commitment in doing all their best to save us.

Rescuers deserve all our respect, admiration and support. I do hope we never be involved in a car accident, but if that happened I’m sure that we would be in very good hands!