CRUZ ROJA

GENERAL--

WHAT IS THE CORRECT PHONE NUMBER?

(376) 765- 2308 or 065 (routed thru Guadalajara by radio to us)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CALL?

You are asked for your name, address (location), telephone number and nature of illness or accident. If someone is available, they'll ask for a person to be outside to guide them to the location of the incident.

CAN THEY FIND MY HOUSE?

Yes, the ambulances and dispatchers have the Street Smart up-to-date maps and are in constant communication via radio and/or cell phone.

WHO DETERMINES WHERE I'M TAKEN?

Only your physician or ours can have you transported somewhere other than the Chapala Clinic location.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE IMSS?

Initial treatment and stabilization is given at the Chapala Clinic and then transport, if necessary, to approved IMSS location is then given at the direction of the physician.

IS THERE AN EMERGENCY ROOM AT THE CHAPALA CLINIC?

The Chapala Clinic is a fully equipped emergency room facility. EKG equipment, aspirator, x-ray, cast room and a full array of medicines are in stock. Normal capacity is 6 patients, but as many as 15 ill and injured have been treated at once in times past (bus and multi-vehicle accidents).

IS SOMEONE AVAILABLE ALL DAY 24/7?

We are fully staffed 24/7/365: 2 full ambulance crews, doctors and nurses.

ARE MEDICAL TREATMENTS FREE?

Yes they are, but you will be presented with an itemized list of our cost for the care provided. Most who can afford to cover these costs will replace the amounts spent; 70% give more than replacement costs.

IS IT TRUE THAT ONLY CRUZ ROJA CAN PICK UP PATIENTS AT ACCIDENT AND CRIME SCENES?

No, the law recently changed. Private ambulances charge for their services, but Cruz Roja or Cruz Verde (the local municipal ambulance service in some areas) are available on an ability-to-pay basis.

EQUIPMENT--

WHAT VEHICLES DO WE HAVE?

Four (4) fully-equipped ambulances, a rescue truck with Jaws of Life for extracting trapped victims from auto crashes, an ATV urban rescue unit for emergencies on rooftops, in wells and mountainous areas, and a boat for aquatic rescue.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS ON THE VEHICLES?

All vehicles are fully equipped in a fashion similar to north of the border. Equipment includes oxygen, EKG and defibrillators, back boards and a full array of emergency equipment.

ORGANIZATION--

DO DOCTORS, NURSES, DISPATCHERS & PARAMETICS SPEAK ENGLISH?

Most speak some English; others are bilingual. English medical term courses are required for all employees.

WILL THE WEST SIDE AMBULANCE STAY THERE?

Plans are in place to maintain a centrally-located ambulance on the west side of Ajijic.

HOW DO I FILE AN INCIDENT REPORT (COMPLAINT/SUGGESTIONS)?

Click here for a form. It can be given to either Norm Pifer, 766-0616 or Charlie Klestadt, 766-3671. Once received, an investigation will take place and you will be advised of actions taken.

DONATIONS &/OR VOLUNTEERING --

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Click here for a Volunteer Application. You may also contact any volunteer officer or attend a meeting (first Wednesday of every month at 2 pm. in LCS Gazebo) and pick up an application.

HOW CAN I DONATE LOCALLY?

There are a number of ways to donate: You can deposit money in the Cruz Roja Account #504688 at Actinver Bank; drop money in the clear canisters found in many Lakeside locations; or by dropping off your cash or check* donation at the Cruz Roja table at the Lake Chapala Society between 10 a.m. and 12:30 pm.  Donations can also be made on this website on the Credit Card/Pay Pal secure donations page.

Special Instructions for donations made at Actinver-Lloyd: 

1.    To deposit a check at Actinver Bank, make the check out to Cruz Roja Mexico Delegacion Lago de Chapala.  Go directly to the Deposit Window.  Say that you wish to make a donation to Cruz Roja Delegacion Lago de Chapala, Account #504688 .

2.    To make a cash donation or transfer funds from your Actinver Bank account to Cruz Roja, reference Cruz Roja Mexico Delegacion Lago de Chapala, Account #504688.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND HOW CAN I GET THE DEDUCTION?

Donations made by US citizens that file a US tax return are tax deductible when made by check* to CRIVC, Inc., our US tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation that was established under Section 501(c)3 of the United States Internal Revenue Code.  Donations made through the Credit Card/Pay Pal secure donations page on this website are also tax deductible to US citizens.  Donations made by Canadians are tax deductible in the US if they file US Tax Returns.

(*Note: Make out US or Canadian currency check to CRIVC, Inc.)