F.A.Q.
STUDENTS:
Students have the opportunity to:
Shadow doctors, nurses, EMTs, physican's assistants, pharmacists
Learn to take vitals
Learn about Lab Analysis
Learn to read and understand glucose levels
Translate for professionals
Fill prescriptions in the pharmacy under supervision of pharmacist or pharmacy technichian
Network
FEES:
$25 membership/yr
$20 trip fee/trip
Drivers do not pay trip fees and we provide FREE Mexican car insurance plus full reimbursement of gasoline
Items to Bring:
-Money for dinner.
-Passport (Required if you wish to return to the U.S.)
-Comfortable Clothing
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-Must be dedicated to a full day (5:30am-10pm approx.) of participation
-Approx. 3 hour drive from CSUF/UCR to Clinic
-Many patients will be in need so be prepared to work in a quick but friendly environment
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is the Flying Sams?
The Flying Samaritans Organization was established in 1961 for the purpose of providing free health care to communities in Mexico.
It all started when four tourist were flying back to California from a weekend in Mexico. Suddenly there was a sandstorm that forced them to land near the town of El Rosario, Mexico. The townspeople rushed to their aid, and took them to town where they stayed at the home of Anita Espinoza. One of the passengers needed medical attention so they drove her to the nearest medical center which was miles away. Once everyone was well and the weather had cleared, the tourist returned to California. A month later, in December, the tourist returned with Christmas gifts as a thank you gift for the town of El Rosario. Among the people that came on the trip was Dr. Hoyt who had joined the group last minute. While presents were given out, Dr. Hoyt walked through town he noticed people that were in desperate need of medical attention. He went back to Mrs. Espinoza’s house and set up a small examination room in her house by putting up sheets to divide the room. He was soon swamped with patients and after treating 22 patients he ran out of supplies and promised to be back in two weeks. That was when The Flying Samaritans Organization was established. We now have 10 Chapters and a total of 19 clinics. 8 of those clinics are run by students while the rest are run by doctors.
The EL HONGO clinic was established in Nov. 2005 through the combined efforts of students from UCR and CSUF.
Where do you go?
Our clinic is located in El Hongo,Tecate. The town of El Hongo is 30 minutes to the east of Tecate. To get to it we take the 57S to 5S to the 805S to the 94E where we cross the border and drive through the town of Tecate and into a toll road.
When do we go?
The third Saturday of every month.
What can I as a student do at the clinic?
Shadow EMT’s, Nurses, Pharmacists, and Doctors. Help take vitals. Be trained to do Urine analysis and glucose checks. Fill prescriptions in the pharmacy. Play with the kids. Help do inventory and clean up.
What do I bring?
PASSPORT, Resident Card, Student Visa.
Snacks : we eat breakfast in San Diego (not provided by flying sams) and we are provided lunch in Mexico, but if you want to bring your own snacks you are welcomed to do so.
Donations: we take clothes, Food, Toys, Medical Supplies, Unexpired Medications.
At what time do we leave and where do we meet?
Here is a tentative schedule for the day of the clinic.
5:30AM- Meet @ CSUF or UCR
6AM- Leave for SD
8AM- Arrive @ SD
8:30-8:50AM Breakfast (bathroom break)
9:30-10AM Arrive @ the clinic/ Set up
10:30AM-4PM Run Clinic
5PM Clean up/ Head back to the border
6-7PM Dinner
Expect to be back home anywhere between 9-12PM
How safe is going to Mexico?
We do not drive through a busy city. We have not had any problems with violence and the roads we take to Mexico are safe. We take a toll road for 90% of the trip, so it is well paved and safe to drive.
For your reference here is the U.S. travel advisory website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.htmlhttp://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
How do I get to the clinic?
Students volunteer to drive their own car to Mexico, and everyone carpools. We provide Mexican car insurance and gas reimbursement for the drivers. Students who volunteer to drive get priority to attend the clinic and do not have to pay the $20 trip fee.
What can I do at the clinic?
Volunteers have the opportunity to shadow doctors, pharmacists, EMTs, and nurses. There is also opportunities to work in the pharmacy, translate for health professionals, and interact with the children.
How do I sign up for a clinic?
Send us an
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and mention the clinic that you want to go to and if you can volunteer as a driver or not
By applying you agree to the following Statement:
I hereby indemnify and hold the Flying Samaritans at CSUF/UCR and each and every member thereof, harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, damages, personal injuries, or any and all other damages arising from or in connection with my participation or conduct in or for on behalf of Flying Samaritans at CSUF. I understand the potential consequences that may result and any unavoidable risks involved with my activities pertaining to the Flying Samaritans at CSUF in Mexico.
