Investing in Life-Saving Skills: Making a Difference in El Salvador

Healthcare in El Salvador has come a long way and great progress has been made in recent years. However, access to healthcare is unevenly distributed, with those living in low-income regions having less access than those in urban areas. According to WHO, only 44% of Salvadorans have access to basic healthcare services and there are significant disparities in access to care based on socioeconomic status. In addition, indigenous communities may have difficulty accessing care due to language barriers and cultural differences.

First aid training can be a powerful tool to improve access to healthcare in rural El Salvador. By implementing an Advanced First Aid Project through IHELP, we aim to empower the local communities in El Salvador. By equipping local community members with life-saving skills, they can respond quickly and appropriately in case of a medical emergency. They can help provide initial treatment and support, save lives, and prevent complications, thus reducing the burden on already overburdened healthcare facilities. In some cases, early intervention in medical emergencies can prevent complications and reduce the severity of injuries or illnesses. With first-aid training, community members can identify warning signs and provide appropriate care, thus preventing further damage.

We also aim to foster community engagement through the first-aid training project, thus encouraging Salvadorans to take ownership of their health. When a community feels empowered to care for themselves and their neighbors, they are more likely to take an active role in promoting healthy behaviors and practices.