Aruban Expertise Highlights the Region
With several decades of experience in medical care and handling medical situations during times of calamity, nurse Ruben Croes is preparing the next phase of medical assistance that Aruba could provide to Venezuela. His extensive experience in various international missions forms an important part of the support Aruba is offering after the strong earthquake felt in the region of La Guaira. Croes explained that the first team to depart will determine the needs in the affected area. Based on their information, the next medical team can be activated. “We depend on the information that the first team will bring back. They will conduct the evaluation and, based on that, we will prepare the next medical team.”
Throughout his career, Croes has participated in various international missions, including several trips during times of calamity to Haiti, Colombia, Sint Maarten, and other countries affected by disasters. That experience allows Aruba to mobilize quickly when emergencies like this occur. “I have been to Haiti five times and also to other countries. This has given us a lot of experience in disaster response.” According to Croes, despite Aruba being a small country, the level of preparation and experience of its professionals is comparable to many international teams. “We have experience that many countries, including large nations, do not always have. We have worked together with international teams such as the Belgian First Aid and Support Team (B-FAST) from Belgium, Urban Search and Rescue Nederland (USAR-NL), and other large groups. This has given us a lot of knowledge in the field.”
The next team to eventually be prepared could consist of doctors, nurses, and operating room staff, who will provide specialized medical care based on the needs identified by the first team. Croes highlighted that Aruba’s strength lies not only in technical knowledge but also in the human commitment of its professionals. “The human aspect is very important to us. We have the desire to help, and the experience we have accumulated allows us to make a real difference.” According to Croes, Aruba’s ability to mobilize its professionals with international experience demonstrates that the island is ready to provide support not only at a local level but also in emergencies within our region.
The participation of medical professionals in this humanitarian mission was made possible thanks to the coordination between the Government of Aruba, the Crisis Management Office (CMO), and the Aruban Red Cross. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mike Eman, Aruba has thus managed to quickly mobilize its knowledge, experience, and capacity to provide assistance to the Venezuelan people in a time of great need.
