Mexican Auto Travel
 
 

November 11, 2000

The Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee dedicated to helping U.S. travelers since 1976.

 

A U.S. citizen becomes ill or injured while visiting Mexico. 

It is an emergency situation that requires prompt return home to the U.S.  Until the Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee (BEMCC) was formed, there were transportation and medical complications that made it very difficult for travelers to receive medical care. 

BEMCC is a stepping stone, connecting the Mexico to The U.S. via rapid emergency transport.  Binational Emergency is a dynamic non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1976. The organization's founder, Celia G. Diaz, has committed herself to the ultra-humanitarian effort of saving lives. 

Binational Emergency's main mission is to provide air and ground transportation to U.S. citizens who are injured while traveling in the country of Mexico, but that mission has expanded tremendously to include such efforts as: 

  1. Providing free medical treatment to the indigent children and their families on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.
  2. b. First Aid and CPR training for key personnel to benefit rapid first responder transport.
  3. Organizing emergency disaster relief drives to obtain food, clothing, and blankets.
  4. Providing translation for key law enforcement officials in emergency situations on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. 
  5. Establishing a BEMCC card for travelers to carry when entering Mexico which will entitle the member to dial toll-free to the U.S. in case of any emergency situation involving sickness or injury
. 

Services offered by BEMCC

 

Emergency Transport: We facilitate the transport of US citizens who are injured while traveling in Mexico. This begins with complete translation of incoming emergency phone calls from the country of Mexico and ends with the acceptance of the injured person to the attending physician and receiving hospital.

Consulting Services: Numerous phone calls are received on a daily basis and information is provided regarding medical facilities available near the travel destination, as well as information regarding what to do in case of an emergency.

Fund raising and local charity events: Binational Emergency sponsors many local fund raising and charity events such as Celebrity Golf Tournaments, An "Evening With The Stars", trips to Sea World and Padre games for local indigent children, etc.

Free Medical Services for the Indigent: We conduct free clinics on a quarterly basis for the indigent children of both countries. Examinations include eye exams, artificial prosthesis fitting, food and blanket drives during the cold season, and an annual Christmas Toy Drive.

Geographical Area of Service

Binational Emergency focuses on the primary geographical area of the U.S. International Border of Mexico and California. BEMCC is the primary contact when emergency transportation is required across the San Ysidro point of entry and the main target group consists of the 70 million tourists that travel into Mexico each year.

The Future

BEMCC will broaden the range of services into coverage of additional areas (e.g. all of Mexico and Latin America). A feasibility study is being conducted to establish an emergency radio communications base at the main office in Chula Vista, CA. BEMCC is also planning to send a newsletter to all card members describing new services.

 

The BEMCC can be reached at: (619) 425-5080 (23 hours)
 
 
 
 

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