Medical Charity Expedition Build Questions

[Bogo]

As of now, I don't have any plans to mess with vaccines or prescription meds; I'm not licensed to drive around the US with them in my car (that would end a trip quickly!). I'm going to stick with supplies that aren't temperature sensitive like syringes, bandages, equipment, etc. Down the road, maybe? But for possible future reference: I've looked for flexible solar panels, and the brands I'm familiar with (I'm a marine electrical technician by trade) in the boat industry are around $400 US for a 12W panel. A little pricey for 12 watts of power- any cheaper alternatives?. Again, as of now my alternator will be running most of the day on a trip. And my power consumption should be close to nil at night. The dual battery setup I'm going to install in the next few months is mostly because it's an electrician thing. I get the parts at a discount, and with the automatic charging relay I install between the batteries I can jump-start myself if needed. Or keep my stereo/computer components going while I crank the engine. It's more for fun than a necessity. And it's something electrical I can do on my FJ while I'm at work; I'm stuck with mechanical maintenance now, unlike my Land Rover that kept me busy on both fronts.

Hltoppr: by "birf job" do you mean grease the birfs, or replace?

And I've dropped a few things from my previous list. With the water pump- I already have one that I was planning on installing. Should I install it before I go and take the old one with me, or leave it and bring the new spare? I have no reason to believe it's not in good shape currently. Thanks folks!

With carrying meds it really only is the narcotics and radioactives that cause much problems. I wouldn't touch them if at all possible. The rest is easy to go through the hoops for transporting. Get the needed licenses from the countries you wish to work in. NOTE: Some medicines really need to be transported in sealed containers so there is no chance of it breaking in an accident and becoming airborne in your vehicle. Also I'd keep all medicines boxed up in packages labeled for their destination. That way it really looks more like a shipment. Have a printed inventory for each package. I think for transport in and out of the US you will need that inventory. Do stuff like have your letter head and organization ID cards. The more you make it look like a professional run operation, the more likely you won't have problems with the authorities.

If you have to have a solar panel, just get ridged ones. All of the flexible ones are poor for output per area. Sanyo HIT series has the highest conversion rate in a consumer available panel but you have to get a 186W or larger panel. BP is also good and has smaller panels. Also consider your charge controller. A MPPT type charge controller will extract allot more out of the panel and be likely worth it in the long run by reducing the size of panel needed. If you don't want to buy a MPPT controler then get a PWM one. You'll be giving up 15% to 30% of available panel output over a charge cycle, but that's life. Also I don't think a PWM style will charge at all while you are driving. This is due to the truck's voltage regulator being set to a higher voltage. In fact I bet many of the MPPT ones also won't charge while driving. This is why I feel it may not be worth it. With the MPPT style controller it is better to have a high panel voltage as it can make very good use of the higher voltage output. This argues for having two smaller panels and putting them in series. With a PWM style controller you need to match the panel voltage to battery voltage.

The dual battery is a necessity to keep you from having to get a jump start in the middle of nowhere. It isn't a fril.

On the water pump: If you have to go into it's area for other repairs, replace it. Also if you are experiencing overheating issues also replace it. Otherwise I'd keep it as a spare and make sure you have everything needed for replacing it in the stix.

 

[1leglance]

One medical supply I can recommend is sutures...most major hospitals setup an OR by removing the outer layer of packaging then if the suture is unused it must be tossed even though there is still an inner layer of sterile packing.
If you don't have sources for supplies yet then once you are setup and professional looking in letterhead, cards and stuff then visit your local hospitals, folks in materials managemet, ICU, OR and other areas might be willing to accept boxes from you they can place supplies in. The key is that these are going out of country which limits the liablity concerns of the provider.

I would also recommend that you get some expereince by working with Meals on Wheels or such to use your 4wd to deliver to rural areas thus getting expereince and building cred.

Just some thoughts

 

[Bogo]

One medical supply I can recommend is sutures...most major hospitals setup an OR by removing the outer layer of packaging then if the suture is unused it must be tossed even though there is still an inner layer of sterile packing.
If you don't have sources for supplies yet then once you are setup and professional looking in letterhead, cards and stuff then visit your local hospitals, folks in materials managemet, ICU, OR and other areas might be willing to accept boxes from you they can place supplies in. The key is that these are going out of country which limits the liablity concerns of the provider.

I would also recommend that you get some expereince by working with Meals on Wheels or such to use your 4wd to deliver to rural areas thus getting expereince and building cred.

Just some thoughts

Get your non-profit setup. That way the hospitals can donate. Some may not be able to donate to you unless you are a non-profit. It is in the rules for many types of non-profits that they can't give except directly to the needy or to other non-profit organizations.

 

[Hltoppr]

I would also recommend that you get some expereince by working with Meals on Wheels or such to use your 4wd to deliver to rural areas thus getting expereince and building cred.

...and if you've ever had Lance's cooking...and mojitos...you know that he's got some off-tarmac "street" cred with meals-on-wheels!



-H-

 

[latinoguy]

Exellent Idea. I actually want to do something similar but with clothes, new or used...and donate them in remote ranchos in baja..or Mainland Mexico..

I got the idea from the local Puerto Vallarta, Mex off road community..
www.Vallarta4x4.org :: - Ruta Huichola 2006 - Objetivo Cumplido

These guys drove into the isolate and marginalized ranchos where the Huichol Indians live...and donated medical supplies....

I would like to participate in your trip if given the time...

 

[EOE_overland]

One medical supply I can recommend is sutures...most major hospitals setup an OR by removing the outer layer of packaging then if the suture is unused it must be tossed even though there is still an inner layer of sterile packing.
If you don't have sources for supplies yet then once you are setup and professional looking in letterhead, cards and stuff then visit your local hospitals, folks in materials managemet, ICU, OR and other areas might be willing to accept boxes from you they can place supplies in. The key is that these are going out of country which limits the liablity concerns of the provider.

I would also recommend that you get some expereince by working with Meals on Wheels or such to use your 4wd to deliver to rural areas thus getting expereince and building cred.

Just some thoughts

I'll look into the "unusable supplies." And this week I'm going to begin the final stretch toward finishing the nonprofit paperwork. Just gotta keep it going !

I'm beginning to plan a short, domestic trip in June or July; I remembered a contact I have in the mid-west for a charity that collects med supplies and sends trips overseas with doctors. So maybe a non-time sensitive, 18-hour highway trip (each way) with a few nights camping would be a nice trip to build a little cred? And it would be a nice, enjoyable trip for me! But I'm definitely looking into getting some cred where I can.
As far as Meals-On-Wheels go... my skills with a dutch oven are legendary , and the best venison steaks my father-in-law ever had were cooked by me on the 22RE exhaust manifold on my old 4runner. How's that for meals on wheels?!
Thanks folks; I appreciate all the advice!

 

[1leglance]

I like all the references to overland camp cooking...
But what I meant was that maybe you have a mission statement like..
XXX is a resource for the delivery of aid supplies to remote or rural areas through the use of 4wd vehicles. (That could use some polish but you get the idea).

Now to test things out and prove you aren't just in it to have a built rig...you work with Meals on Wheels, or other groups that need things delivered to remote/rural areas and often have trouble due to road conditions. Especially with winter on this is a great way to show your stuff.

Then you can expand and grow into out of country endevors and show hospitals/med supply places that you can be trusted.
This would also let you get to know the rig, test the mods, and work up budgets and such.

Just my thoughts...hey I am still learning as I go

 

[EOE_overland]

I like all the references to overland camp cooking...
But what I meant was that maybe you have a mission statement like..
XXX is a resource for the delivery of aid supplies to remote or rural areas through the use of 4wd vehicles. (That could use some polish but you get the idea).

Then you can expand and grow into out of country endevors and show hospitals/med supply places that you can be trusted.
This would also let you get to know the rig, test the mods, and work up budgets and such.

Just my thoughts...hey I am still learning as I go

All joking aside- yeah, it is a good idea. I've been looking into it since you mentioned it. Although finding somewhere that meets my definition of rural, living between Baltimore and Washington, is a bit of a stretch ! But I'm looking for something along those lines. In case M-O-W doesn't work out, any other ideas?

Oh Yeah, here's the link to our Mission Statement: Mission Statement - Ends of the Earth
What do you think?

 

[Volcano cruiser]

All joking aside- yeah, it is a good idea. I've been looking into it since you mentioned it. Although finding somewhere that meets my definition of rural, living between Baltimore and Washington, is a bit of a stretch ! But I'm looking for something along those lines. In case M-O-W doesn't work out, any other ideas?

Oh Yeah, here's the link to our Mission Statement: Mission Statement - Ends of the Earth
What do you think?

Guys,
I'm from your neck of the woods and you may have to extend your search for a charity to help out to West Virginia or maybe places west of Rapahanock Co. in the Shenandoah Valley, plenty of rural out there. Just a thought.
John

 

[proto]

Maybe you've already thought of this: you could try contacting RAM (Remote Area Medical). They're a big-time, well-known volunteer medical organization (been on 60 Minutes and everything).

They're famous for getting medical assistance to inaccessible towns and villages, even if it means parachuting doctors and supplies in on airborne operations. They cover needy in the US, Central America, and overseas. Their 2009 schedule shows they have operations planned in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the 'mountainy' parts of Virginia.

Now the sites here in the States may not be all that difficult to get to, but even if it is just boring highway to backroads, you'd gain logistical experience: find out what gets transported, how a field hospital is set up and torn down and what is done there, and also what niches you might like to fill -- you'd build a bunch of cred, too.

They're constantly looking for volunteers (at least their website says so: Volunteer With RAM).

It would be ideal to get your feet wet with some local stuff, then graduate to longer and more serious expeditions. It seems like an ideal way to gain some valuable mentoring.

If you do hook up with them, please post about it (heck, I might be interested in joining in!)

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Maybe you've already thought of this: you could try contacting RAM (Remote Area Medical). They're a big-time, well-known volunteer medical organization (been on 60 Minutes and everything).

They're famous for getting medical assistance to inaccessible towns and villages, even if it means parachuting doctors and supplies in on airborne operations. They cover needy in the US, Central America, and overseas. Their 2009 schedule shows they have operations planned in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the 'mountainy' parts of Virginia.

Now the sites here in the States may not be all that difficult to get to, but even if it is just boring highway to backroads, you'd gain logistical experience: find out what gets transported, how a field hospital is set up and torn down and what is done there, and also what niches you might like to fill -- you'd build a bunch of cred, too.

They're constantly looking for volunteers (at least their website says so: Volunteer With RAM).

It would be ideal to get your feet wet with some local stuff, then graduate to longer and more serious expeditions. It seems like an ideal way to gain some valuable mentoring.

If you do hook up with them, please post about it (heck, I might be interested in joining in!)

Never knew about those guys. Gotta say you guys are giving me some ideas of stuff to do when I get back to that area... By then you guys will have the kinks worked out and be ready to roll.

EDIT:
In looking at the RAM schedule both of the Virginia expeditions, to Wise and Grundy, Va are right in the region that I was speaking about. Might well be a nice opportunity to test out your vehicles but more test out your logistics planning all while helping out on a good mission. Think of them as assessment runs, i.e., a chance to assess your rigs, thinking and planning. Again, you'd be helping out the RAM folks and at the same time getting two trips under your belt and when speaking to donors there is nothing that shows donors that you are serious like being able to say that you have done this x times before, these are some of the problems that we have encountered and that is why we need your support.... Just a thought

 

[EOE_overland]

Never knew about those guys. Gotta say you guys are giving me some ideas of stuff to do when I get back to that area... By then you guys will have the kinks worked out and be ready to roll.

Thanks Proto! Never heard of them either. Pretty neat operation! I'll contact them and see if they're interested in this kind of assistance; on the volunteers page, it looked like they were looking mainly for medical personnel. I'm not currently in the medical field (the only one in my family!), but I've been considering taking paramedic courses at the local CC for a variety of reasons.
I'll definitely post anything I get in to with RAM or others! Volcano Cruiser's original post reminded me of a clinic I went to with my father in rural KY (when I was very small). Please feel free to toss out other groups anyone may know about, on the east coast or elsewhere. I may not be able to get in touch with them due to geography, but if there's one thing I've learned about the 4x4 community (and the reason I wanted to start my organization) is that y'all are always willing to help. Especially when you get to use your beloved wheelin wagon! If you know of something in your area that may not be in mine, it may bring it to the attention of someone else nearby.

 

[proto]

From the RAM web site, it sounds like medical professionals are the critical need. But, because of that, they need volunteers to transport everything in early and get the operation completely set up. When the med-folk show up, they get maximum usage and no wasted time.

I figure even if the Docs parachute IN, they can't parachute OUT. Even rockstars need roadies Seems like there ought to be ample opportunity for 4-wheelin' volunteerism -- and some excellent expeditions with a real purpose.

 

[nicholas]

Sounds like a cool project. I had planned on doing service missions after finishing medical school back when I bought my LX450. I have been on 4 missions to the amazon in Peru.

One problem that we ran into was customs. The corrupt officials always wanted to charge us obscene amounts of money to bring in drugs and equipment that we were going to give to their people for free. It wasn't until we started chucking drugs into the trash that they reconsidered and allowed us to bring them in.

I suppose this won't apply to you though. However, pills can be quite heavy when you are carrying them in bulk, so for us we found it better to just buy the drugs down there because they were cheaper than here in the states and we didn't have to waste valuable luggage space.

It's also illegal to bring firearms into mexico, however, my buddy's dad always pack heat when he takes his RV into mexico for protection.

I know the cartel violence has escalated significantly in recent years, so I am a little bit more leery to go to remote areas in Mexico now that I am married and have a son. When I was single I didn't worry at all. I have been in some super sketchy parts of peru and mexico without any problems. As long as you are respectful most people will leave you alone.

 

[nicholas]

Here is an excellent organization that I have been involved with in the past. AFAIK, they have not done anything recently in Mexico, but they might be willing to share some knowledge with you and network with other groups.

The Hope Alliance

 

[cruiser_guy]

I know the cartel violence has escalated significantly in recent years, so I am a little bit more leery to go to remote areas in Mexico now that I am married and have a son. When I was single I didn't worry at all. I have been in some super sketchy parts of peru and mexico without any problems. As long as you are respectful most people will leave you alone.

The fact that you have a family, especially if you take them along, probably makes you safer today than when you were single.
In general Mexicans are more respective of family men than singles.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

I know the cartel violence has escalated significantly in recent years, so I am a little bit more leery to go to remote areas in Mexico now that I am married and have a son. When I was single I didn't worry at all. I have been in some super sketchy parts of peru and mexico without any problems. As long as you are respectful most people will leave you alone.

The fact that you have a family, especially if you take them along, probably makes you safer today than when you were single.
In general Mexicans are more respective of family men than singles.

Any time that you travel anywhere remote there is always a fine line you walk when it comes to security. Moreso for those of us who choose to travel overland than others. Most of us travel overland because we want to get a more up close and personal experience with different lands and peoples. Unfortunately more and more while we travel and get to know and work with folks in these new lands and remote places we face the same risks, big and small, that the people around us face as they go about their daily lives. Just like not every place in our home countries is a bad neighborhood filled with bad folks the same can be said for the places that we visit.

Sadly, I see reports both official and in the press everyday that violent crime is getting worse not better in Mexico, Guatemala (where Charles cruiser_guy lives and works) and El Salvador (where I live and work). What these quotes highlight for the benefit of the OP is the need to do careful planning when planning a mission. Any careful plan always includes a personal security component for the folks going on the expedition. Folks who travel overland have each developed their own methods for getting informed about security issues along their route of travel. Some use official notices issued by governments, others press accounts or travel guides and still others internet overlander BB. I think that the best use some combination of all of the above coupled, when available, with any information that you can get from folks who have just made the trip or who are living where somewhere along the way or at your destination. Whatever the combination of sources that you use try to keep the information current, even as you are traveling as things can change drastically in a place over a short period of time. Security threats can pop up quickly, be very serious and yet be very localized to a particular town or region. Again careful route planning can allow you to still make your trip, fulfill your mission and get home in one piece. Just my .02
Regards,
John

 

[cruiser_guy]

Unfortunately John is correct. In the nearly 5 years that we have been in Guatemala we can tell that the crime situation is definitely getting worse. You can still travel reasonably safely by paying attention, as John says, to all the notices put out by these various sources. Do NOT be oblivious to what is going on around you as you are travelling as things can develop into a dangerous situation very quickly. ALWAYS keep one eye open for anything out of the ordinary and be ready to take the necessary evasive action. Most importantly, be informed about the area you're going to, both culturally and politically.

 

[EOE_overland]

One problem that we ran into was customs. The corrupt officials always wanted to charge us obscene amounts of money to bring in drugs and equipment that we were going to give to their people for free. It wasn't until we started chucking drugs into the trash that they reconsidered and allowed us to bring them in.

It's also illegal to bring firearms into mexico, however, my buddy's dad always pack heat when he takes his RV into mexico for protection.

We used to have similar problems getting meds thru customs in Haiti. Lucky for us it only took a few extra bucks to get them thru and on the way to clinic.

As far as firearms go... I'm a 2nd Amendment boy from western PA (Jack Murtha's district- you know, the ones he called racist and redneck ). And so I admit the thought of having my trusty Saiga 12 or Sig 226 in the cab with me in the bush is slightly comforting. But everything I've read/heard about remote travel on land or sea, even in places where packin' heat is legal, is don't bring the heat. It may discourage a poor, local from stealing the Toyota logo from the grill. But as far as any cartel-type encounters go, it's better to put the extra effort in to avoid problems than to get in a shootout with drug running types. And there's always the image problem as related to a medical charity: nothing says "we're here to help" like a magazine-fed semi-automatic 12 gauge (he said sarcastically). I guess this isn't a great place to get into the "firearms on expedition" argument, but I think for my purposes it wouldn't be smart. From what I've heard about exped travel and my experience on third-world medical missions growing up, it's better to drive during daylight, find a "safe" place to spend the night (like somewhere with a gate? if possible), and keep your eyes wide open. Any other tips?

All right, on a lighter note: my first mini-expedition will be late next month/early march! Through an epiphany I had after some of your advice, I contacted a Mission in southeastern KY that I had been to when I was 5; my father volunteered seeing patients in the clinic. I received confirmation from them today. Then I sent out e-mails to a bunch of friends/family/contacts tonight asking for help to fill the back of my cruiser with school/art supplies for the Mission's school. This works out well for me: my wife is an art teacher, so I'll have a little extra help. It's about 8-9 hr drive from here; no big deal. So as soon as I get enough stuff, I'll drive it down and drop it off. Spend a night cruiser camping, maybe a little hike thrown in? So I'm pretty excited! And I'll keep ya'll posted on the progress and outcome.
Matt

 

[proto]

That's excellent news!

It's fun to talk about building up the perfect truck, but too many people talk and build and never go out and drive the damn things! Likewise, my major complaint with the big volunteer organizations is always having to ask permission and get approval for everything, but not much action. Jump in and do what needs to be done -- and have fun doing it!

My tip as far as self defense: a superior pilot will use his superior judgment to avoid situations requiring his superior skills.

Failing that, I pack a 'stun gun' (handheld Taser-like device) in the pocket of the driver's door. Easy to grab as you get out of the truck, perfectly positioned when a bad guy reaches through the window. (Had it since 1999, only had to use it once -- and that was in the middle of Washington D.C.)

Good luck on your shakedown trek!