Local Paramedic Discusses Relief Efforts in Africa

April 19, 2019

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A woman wearing a medical t-shirt is sitting and talking to an elderly woman in traditional clothing under a tent. The elderly woman is holding a cloth, and another person sits behind them. The scene suggests a medical or humanitarian setting.

By Cara Pallone

PC:

Tropical Cyclone Idai was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Africa. Flooding has affected nearly 3 million people in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe since rains began in early March and Idai struck March 14 and 15. The death toll exceeds 800 people and many more are missing.

Now, as flood waters recede, survivors are struggling to obtain food, clean water, shelter, and medical attention.

One local Telluride woman was dispatched to help.

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Heidi Attenberger has served as a paramedic with the Telluride Fire Protection District since 2004, and she’s also a volunteer with Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is a nonprofit disaster response organization that utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.

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Attenberger traveled on a volunteer mission to Africa last month with hardly a day’s notice. She returned April 5. In this interview, she talks about her experiences on the front lines, previous disaster relief efforts she’s been involved with, and how one person can make a different. 

Learn more about Team Rubicon and its mission by visiting teamrubiconusa.org.

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