Nepal Medics

Heroes Training Heroes

Mission: Neither geographical location nor socioeconomic status should determine the level of emergency medical care a person receives — or if they receive emergency medical care at all.

Who We Serve: In the country of Nepal, our team is building a vast network to serve those in need. Read some of our stories below.

Goma's Story - Update!

On the afternoon of January 21st, 2017, Goma was going about her normal daily routine collecting food for her family’s livestock. She was headed back towards her home with a basket full of fodder balanced on her head. As Goma rounded a corner, looking down at the ground, balancing the large basket on her head, she didn’t see the oxen fighting directly in front of her. By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late. She had been smashed between the two oxen. Goma was rendered unconscious, with severe internal injuries. Her husband found her, and at first, he thought she was dead. He yelled for help, and approximately twenty-five minutes after the incident, someone heard him. That person went and got Rural Medical Responder (RMR) Shreeram. He responded immediately. Once on scene, Shreeram performed a trauma medical assessment. He found Goma still had a pulse. Shreeram utilized his training and performed lifesaving interventions. He then properly packaged Goma for safe transport and took her to the hospital. RMR Shreeram not only saved Goma’s life, he gave her the opportunity to meet her first grand-child, who was born in the same hospital where Goma was recovering.

***UPDATE – As of Patrick and Brad’s Nepal Visit, March 2019, Goma Has Made a 100% Recovery!***

Indra’s Story

At approximately 9:00 AM on the 8th of April 2017, Shanta Gurung Maya was teaching a class at the elementary school in Benighat Rorang when she received a request to respond to an emergency nearby. Shanta responded immediately. Upon arriving she found Indra, a 70-year-old female, who had been cooking vegetable curry on a makeshift stove. A steaming hot pot of curry had fallen off the stove, covering the lower half of Indra with serious burns. Shanta immediately referred to her Rural Medical Responder (RMR) training. Shanta called the local hospital and requested an ambulance for transport. She then started to treat Indra for shock and worked to prevent infection. The ambulance arrived approximately 2 hours later and transported the patient to the district hospital. There she received treatment for three months. Indra is still unable to walk, but she is recovering more each day.
If it were not for Shanta Gurung Maya’s RMR training, it is likely the patient would have stayed at the scene of the accident too long and succumbed to shock or infection from her burns.

Bel Kumari’s Story

On 29 March 2017, at around 7:00pm in a rural area, Bel Kumari slipped and fell down the concrete staircase of her house. Locals went and got Manika, who they knew was a trained Rural First Responder (RFR). Manika immediately responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, Manika found Bel Kumari was laying on the ground and desperately crying. Manika preformed a scene safety check as she learned in her RFR training and evacuated the patient to a safe place. She then conducted a complete patient assessment. Bel Kumari was pointing to areas of pain on her right hand and chest. Manika believed there was significant injury to Bel Kumari’s right hand and immobilized the hand using the splint & sling technique she had learned in her RFR training. There was little to be done for the closed chest injury in the field, so Manika referred the patient to a local hospital. Bel Kumari was then transferred to Kathmandu from the local hospital for further treatment. She was diagnosed with a right hand fracture and rib fracture. Bel Kumari has now recovered and is back to her normal life after treatment.

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Goma's Story - Update!

***UPDATE – As of Patrick and Brad’s Nepal Visit, March 2019, Goma Has Made a 100% Recovery!***

On the afternoon of January 21st, 2017, Goma was going about her normal daily routine, collecting food for her family’s livestock. She was headed back towards her home with a basket full of fodder balanced on her head. As Goma rounded a corner, looking down at the ground, balancing the large basket on her head, she didn’t see the oxen fighting directly in front of her. By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late. She had been smashed between the two oxen. Goma was rendered unconscious, with severe internal injuries. Her husband found her, and at first, he thought she was dead. He yelled for help, and approximately twenty-five minutes after the incident, someone heard him. That person went and got Rural Medical Responder (RMR) Shreeram. RMR Shreeram responded immediately. Once on scene, he performed a trauma medical assessment. He found Goma still had a pulse. RMR Shreeram utilized his training and performed lifesaving interventions. He then properly packaged Goma for safe transport and took her to the hospital. RMR Shreeram not only saved Goma’s life: he gave her the opportunity to meet her first grand-baby, who was born in the same hospital where Goma was recovering.

Indra’s Story

At approximately 9:00 AM on the 8th of April 2017, Shanta Gurung Maya was teaching a class at the elementary school in Benighat Rorang when she received a request to respond to an emergency nearby. Shanta responded immediately. Upon arriving she found Indra, a 70-year-old female, who had been cooking vegetable curry on a makeshift stove. A steaming hot pot of curry had fallen off the stove, covering the lower half of Indra with serious burns. Shanta immediately referred to her Rural Medical Responder (RMR) training. Shanta called the local hospital and requested an ambulance for transport. She then started to treat Indra for shock and worked to prevent infection. The ambulance arrived approximately 2 hours later and transported the patient to the district hospital. There she received treatment for three months. Indra is still unable to walk, but she is recovering more each day.
If it were not for Shanta Gurung Maya’s RMR training, it is likely the patient would have stayed at the scene of the accident too long and succumbed to shock or infection from her burns.

Bel Kumari’s Story

On 29 March 2017, at around 7:00pm in a rural area, Bel Kumari slipped and fell down the concrete staircase of her house. Locals went and got Manika, who they knew was a trained Rural First Responder (RFR). Manika immediately responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, Manika found Bel Kumari was laying on the ground and desperately crying. Manika preformed a scene safety check as she learned in her RFR training and evacuated the patient to a safe place. She then conducted a complete patient assessment. Bel Kumari was pointing to areas of pain on her right hand and chest. Manika believed there was significant injury to Bel Kumari’s right hand and immobilized the hand using the splint & sling technique she had learned in her RFR training. There was little to be done for the closed chest injury in the field, so Manika referred the patient to a local hospital. Bel Kumari was then transferred to Kathmandu from the local hospital for further treatment. She was diagnosed with a right hand fracture and rib fracture. Bel Kumari has now recovered and is back to her normal life after treatment.

Where We Work

Our Video: Importance of Rural Nepali Emergency Medical Services

Our Team

Patrick Bancke, EMT, TECC, PHTLS, BDLS

Patrick Bancke, EMT, TECC, PHTLS, BDLS

President and CEO - Chair of Board & Executive Committee, United States

Bio

Patrick Bancke has over twenty-five years of experience in rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) starting his rural EMS adventure in Search and Rescue to his current tenure as an EMT at a rural transporting Fire Department. He is as comfortable in a business setting as he is in the back of a moving ambulance. Patrick is the president of Oregon Real Estate Experts, a real estate company transacting millions of dollars of residential real estate sales per year across the state of Oregon. In 2017, Patrick was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nepal on a medical mission trip and while there he saw the huge need for emergency medical responders and gender equality. His thoughts kept returning to Nepal no matter how far away he traveled. He stayed in contact with the amazing friends he made in Nepal and over a year’s period of time, Nepal Medics was born. When Patrick is not working with his company or Nepal Medics he enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with his family.

Brad Anderson, Esq.

Brad Anderson, Esq.

Vice President - Vice Chair of Board & Executive Committee, United States

Bio

Brad has been a local government attorney in Oregon for the past 23 years. He has worked in most facets of local government law. He has always represented the local health, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and emergency dispatch departments. For the last twelve years brad has represented the regulatory agency for ambulance services for the second largest county in the State of Oregon.

Guennet Cook

Guennet Cook

Secretary - Board & Executive Committee, United States

Bio

Guennet Cook was born and raised in Ethiopia. Her family moved often, allowing her to become familiar with much of the country. She grew up in a society that had both strong Christian and Muslim cultures living together, and learned it is possible to keep your faith value system, and respect your neighbors no matter how different they are. She came to the U.S. to attend Linfield College. While in College a government change in her home country forced her to remain in Oregon. After College, she worked for 10 years in the Insurance industry before taking time off to raise her two children. She also spent 15 years working as a Literacy Coordinator, a job that gave her a unique understanding of the educational needs of emigrants and nationals with lower level literacy skills. Guennet currently works part time as a property manager for the family business, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Marilyn Rider

Marilyn Rider

Treasurer - Director of Finance, United States

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Bio

Patrick Bancke has over twenty-five years of experience in rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) starting his rural EMS adventure in Search and Rescue to his current tenure as an EMT at a rural transporting Fire Department. He is as comfortable in a business setting as he is in the back of a moving ambulance. Patrick is the president of Oregon Real Estate Experts, a real estate company transacting millions of dollars of residential real estate sales per year across the state of Oregon. In 2017, Patrick was blessed with the opportunity to go to Nepal on a medical mission trip and while there he saw the huge need for emergency medical responders and gender equality. His thoughts kept returning to Nepal no matter how far away he traveled. He stayed in contact with the amazing friends he made in Nepal and over a year’s period of time, Nepal Medics was born. When Patrick is not working with his company or Nepal Medics he enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with his family.

Bio

Brad has been a local government attorney in Oregon for the past 23 years. He has worked in most facets of local government law. He has always represented the local health, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and emergency dispatch departments. For the last twelve years brad has represented the regulatory agency for ambulance services for the second largest county in the State of Oregon.

Bio

Guennet Cook was born and raised in Ethiopia. Her family moved often, allowing her to become familiar with much of the country. She grew up in a society that had both strong Christian and Muslim cultures living together, and learned it is possible to keep your faith value system, and respect your neighbors no matter how different they are. She came to the U.S. to attend Linfield College. While in College a government change in her home country forced her to remain in Oregon. After College, she worked for 10 years in the Insurance industry before taking time off to raise her two children. She also spent 15 years working as a Literacy Coordinator, a job that gave her a unique understanding of the educational needs of emigrants and nationals with lower level literacy skills. Guennet currently works part time as a property manager for the family business, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Sonya Jones, LPC

Sonya Jones, LPC

Board Member, United States

Bio

Sonya Jones has degrees in both Economics and Psychology from Willamette University. She also holds a graduate degree in Psychological Counseling from George Fox University. She is the President of Hope Counseling Services, LLC, a private counseling practice in Oregon serving individuals, couples and families. In addition to her counseling background, Sonya also brings a host of corporate experience as a Project Manager with a large national corporation prior to beginning her counseling career. Sonya has been involved in non-profit work through her church involvement for over 30 years. Her non-profit experiences have included working with homeless communities in the US and Mexico as well as spending time in Haiti following the tragic earthquake and secondary cholera outbreaks in 2010. She has also worked in a supportive role with other non-profits to accomplish their missions. In addition to these activities, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family including their corgi, gardening and travel.

Dr. Donna Anderson

Dr. Donna Anderson

Board Member, United States

Bio

Donna received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the joint program at Oregon State/Washington State Veterinary school. Serving as veterinarian for over 23 years, Donna has a passion for medicine and helping people with their pets. Having managed several veterinary hospitals in Oregon, Donna has a diverse background in recruiting, coaching, and developing the strengths of many talented professionals. Her specialty includes preventive care medicine, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. She is currently on the Board for the Washington County Veterinary Medical Association. Donna has a heart for travel which has opened opportunities in serving in various medical organizations overseas in Cambodia and Nicaragua.

Mary Tison, BSN, RN, Paramedic

Mary Tison, BSN, RN, Paramedic

Volunteer Nurse/Medic, Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Currently employed as a critical care flight nurse for a non-profit health system for the past six years, and ten years as an ED and ICU nurse. Mary has volunteered as a nurse/medic in Haiti, Nepal, and for SMURD, an air and ground emergency rescue system in Romania. She has taught trauma EMS for various Naval medical units in Michigan. She’s a contributor for the National Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course and Certification and was also a coordinator for sponsorships for the national Every Coast Helicopter Operations. Presently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Global Health Planning and Management at Johns Hopkins University to fulfill a lifelong desire to serving others. Mary was inspired by the Nepal Medics platform to establish an EMS network within the Nepali community while empowering them to provide quality, self- sustaining, and accessible emergency care. For years she has been a fan and follower of Nepal Medics and is honored to be accepted as an active and contributing member.

Hira Tamrakar

Hira Tamrakar

Dhading EMS Project Manager, Nepal

Bio

Hira is responsible for the day to day management, stakeholders engagement and the oversight of the Dhading Project’s scope.
He has a proven track record of performance-based management running large NGO’s (Non-Governmental Oarganizations) in Nepal. He has partnered with Nepal Medics since their inception in 2017 and is a pioneer of Nepal Prehospital EMS (Emergency Medical Services). As a RFR (Rural First Responder) Trainer of Trainers (ToT) instructor, Hira holds a master’s degree in Social Sciences. The only thing that rivals Hira’s education and experience is his compassion for those he serves.

Bio

Sonya Jones has degrees in both Economics and Psychology from Willamette University. She also holds a graduate degree in Psychological Counseling from George Fox University. She is the President of Hope Counseling Services, LLC, a private counseling practice in Oregon serving individuals, couples and families. In addition to her counseling background, Sonya also brings a host of corporate experience as a Project Manager with a large national corporation prior to beginning her counseling career. Sonya has been involved in non-profit work through her church involvement for over 30 years. Her non-profit experiences have included working with homeless communities in the US and Mexico as well as spending time in Haiti following the tragic earthquake and secondary cholera outbreaks in 2010. She has also worked in a supportive role with other non-profits to accomplish their missions. In addition to these activities, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family including their corgi, gardening and travel.

Bio

Donna received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the joint program at Oregon State/Washington State Veterinary school. Serving as veterinarian for over 23 years, Donna has a passion for medicine and helping people with their pets. Having managed several veterinary hospitals in Oregon, Donna has a diverse background in recruiting, coaching, and developing the strengths of many talented professionals. Her specialty includes preventive care medicine, soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. She is currently on the Board for the Washington County Veterinary Medical Association. Donna has a heart for travel which has opened opportunities in serving in various medical organizations overseas in Cambodia and Nicaragua.

Bio

Currently employed as a critical care flight nurse for a non-profit health system for the past six years, and ten years as an ED and ICU nurse. Mary has volunteered as a nurse/medic in Haiti, Nepal, and for SMURD, an air and ground emergency rescue system in Romania. She has taught trauma EMS for various Naval medical units in Michigan. She’s a contributor for the National Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course and Certification and was also a coordinator for sponsorships for the national Every Coast Helicopter Operations. Presently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Global Health Planning and Management at Johns Hopkins University to fulfill a lifelong desire to serving others. Mary was inspired by the Nepal Medics platform to establish an EMS network within the Nepali community while empowering them to provide quality, self- sustaining, and accessible emergency care. For years she has been a fan and follower of Nepal Medics and is honored to be accepted as an active and contributing member.

Bio

Hira is responsible for the day to day management, stakeholders engagement and the oversight of the Dhading Project’s scope.
He has a proven track record of performance-based management running large NGO’s (Non-Governmental Oarganizations) in Nepal. He has partnered with Nepal Medics since their inception in 2017 and is a pioneer of Nepal Prehospital EMS (Emergency Medical Services). As a RFR (Rural First Responder) Trainer of Trainers (ToT) instructor, Hira holds a master’s degree in Social Sciences. The only thing that rivals Hira’s education and experience is his compassion for those he serves.

Dr. Daniel L. Phillips, MD, FAWM, DiMM

Dr. Daniel L. Phillips, MD, FAWM, DiMM

Medical Advisor, Interim Medical Advisory Committee Chair, United States

Bio

Daniel Phillips is a retired gastroenterologist who late in life rediscovered a passion for emergency medicine and medicine in austere environments. He is a physician adviser for Lane County Search and Rescue, and a member of the disaster response teams for Project Hope, Medical Teams International, and the State of Oregon. He holds the Diploma in Mountain Medicine and is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He has been involved in teaching or direct service projects worldwide, most recently in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sudan and Cameroon. Dr. Phillis is one of the original members of Nepal’s Dhading District’s EMS training program.

Dr. Peter O’Meara, PhD.

Dr. Peter O’Meara, PhD.

Medical Advisory Committee, Australia

Bio

Dr. Peter O’Meara is an internationally recognized expert on paramedicine models of care and education and was one of the first paramedics in the world to complete a doctoral qualification researching paramedicine. Dr. O’Meara is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University in the Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice and a Director of the Global Higher Paramedic Education Council. Peter is available for consulting through Paramedicine Consulting. Dr O’Meara’s research has focused on the delivery of paramedic services in rural settings and the development of paramedic extended scope-of-practice roles. A specific focus in recent years has been in the evolution of community paramedicine, while he has also undertaken research projects related to volunteer ambulance systems. In essence, his research has contributed toward the emergence of paramedicine as a health profession in Australia and other parts of the world. Peter has published one book, ten book chapters, over 70 peer-reviewed papers and many other publications.

Channa Commanday, RN, MN, FNP

Channa Commanday, RN, MN, FNP

Medical Advisory Committee, Kenya

Bio

Channa has a long history of emergency care practice and EMS System involvement and development on the international level. Licensed as a RN in both the State of Oregon and the country of Kenya, her current practice is multi-focal in the areas of clinical provider: emergency and critical care management and primary care, International medical escort and travel consultant, and Consultant, emergency medical systems, hospital systems development.

She has provided emergency care services all over the world, including in many refugee camps and disaster areas. She was a primary lead in helping design an EMS System design for Nairobi, Kenya. Among her many experiences which bring strength and insight to the NM MAC, are the following:

Nurse Practitioner, MRDCi, (Medical Resources for the Diplomatic Corps) Juba, South Sudan, locums tenens x 2, 2014 – currently consultant.

Nursing and HR Consultant, Drs. D.M. Silverstein & C. M. Kariuki, Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya, since September 2002.

U.S. Peace Corps Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya: Medical Officer May 2005- November 2013.

US Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya, Nurse Practitioner, November 2009-2011.
National Road Safety Committee, Ministry of Health, Government of Kenya, 2004- 2009

Frontier Medex (UK). Regulation, resources and processes for emergency medical care and transport at remote sites in Kenya, 2013.

Hospital services development. Rukero Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, 2008.
Assessment Team, Mercy Corps International, Rwanda, 1997
Assessment Team Leader, UN High Commission for Refugees: Kenya, Somalia 1994

Assessment Team, Freedom Medicine, Cambodia, 1990

International Rescue Committee, Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Somalia and Kenya, October 1992-January 1993; Tanzania and Rwanda, August 1994-December 1994

Site Medical Provider, Hughes Technical Services Company, Votkinsk Portal Monitoring Facility, Russia, March 1993-April 1994

Medical Coordinator, Freedom Medicine, Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan, December 1990-February 1992

Clinical Director, Care Ambulance Services, Oregon and Washington States, 1992

Director, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention, Oregon Health Division, State of Oregon. November 1988-December 1990, Coordinator, Oregon Trauma System. January 1985-March 1989.

– Picture Coming Soon

Peter Robbert, Paramedic

Peter Robbert, Paramedic

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Peter was a paramedic for 12 years working for a busy municipal fire department in the central coast of California. His experience included working as a fireline paramedic on large wildland fires and he has treated multiple injured firefighters in remote austere locations. After 17 years in the fire service, he recently retired from his position as a fire captain/paramedic but continues to teach wilderness medicine for Backcountry Medical Guides. He teaches Advanced Wilderness Life Support to medical professionals, Wilderness First Responder to guides and outdoor enthusiasts and Wilderness First Aid to rangers and other professionals. His teaching has taken him to Belize, Ecuador and Nepal. When not working, Peter can be found outdoors with his wife and three dogs exploring backcountry trails of northern California.

Bio

Daniel Phillips is a retired gastroenterologist who late in life rediscovered a passion for emergency medicine and medicine in austere environments. He is a physician adviser for Lane County Search and Rescue, and a member of the disaster response teams for Project Hope, Medical Teams International, and the State of Oregon. He holds the Diploma in Mountain Medicine and is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He has been involved in teaching or direct service projects worldwide, most recently in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sudan and Cameroon. Dr. Phillis is one of the original members of Nepal’s Dhading District’s EMS training program.

Bio

Dr. Peter O’Meara is an internationally recognized expert on paramedicine models of care and education and was one of the first paramedics in the world to complete a doctoral qualification researching paramedicine. Dr. O’Meara is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University in the Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice and a Director of the Global Higher Paramedic Education Council. Peter is available for consulting through Paramedicine Consulting. Dr O’Meara’s research has focused on the delivery of paramedic services in rural settings and the development of paramedic extended scope-of-practice roles. A specific focus in recent years has been in the evolution of community paramedicine, while he has also undertaken research projects related to volunteer ambulance systems. In essence, his research has contributed toward the emergence of paramedicine as a health profession in Australia and other parts of the world. Peter has published one book, ten book chapters, over 70 peer-reviewed papers and many other publications.

Bio

Channa has a long history of emergency care practice and EMS System involvement and development on the international level. Licensed as a RN in both the State of Oregon and the country of Kenya, her current practice is multi-focal in the areas of clinical provider: emergency and critical care management and primary care, International medical escort and travel consultant, and Consultant, emergency medical systems, hospital systems development.

She has provided emergency care services all over the world, including in many refugee camps and disaster areas. She was a primary lead in helping design an EMS System design for Nairobi, Kenya. Among her many experiences which bring strength and insight to the NM MAC, are the following:

Nurse Practitioner, MRDCi, (Medical Resources for the Diplomatic Corps) Juba, South Sudan, locums tenens x 2, 2014 – currently consultant.

Nursing and HR Consultant, Drs. D.M. Silverstein & C. M. Kariuki, Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya, since September 2002.

U.S. Peace Corps Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya: Medical Officer May 2005- November 2013.

US Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya, Nurse Practitioner, November 2009-2011.
National Road Safety Committee, Ministry of Health, Government of Kenya, 2004- 2009

Frontier Medex (UK). Regulation, resources and processes for emergency medical care and transport at remote sites in Kenya, 2013.

Hospital services development. Rukero Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, 2008.
Assessment Team, Mercy Corps International, Rwanda, 1997
Assessment Team Leader, UN High Commission for Refugees: Kenya, Somalia 1994

Assessment Team, Freedom Medicine, Cambodia, 1990

International Rescue Committee, Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Somalia and Kenya, October 1992-January 1993; Tanzania and Rwanda, August 1994-December 1994

Site Medical Provider, Hughes Technical Services Company, Votkinsk Portal Monitoring Facility, Russia, March 1993-April 1994

Medical Coordinator, Freedom Medicine, Thailand, Cambodia, and Pakistan, December 1990-February 1992

Clinical Director, Care Ambulance Services, Oregon and Washington States, 1992

Director, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention, Oregon Health Division, State of Oregon. November 1988-December 1990, Coordinator, Oregon Trauma System. January 1985-March 1989.

– Picture Coming Soon

Bio

Peter was a paramedic for 12 years working for a busy municipal fire department in the central coast of California.  His experience included working as a fireline paramedic on large wildland fires and he has treated multiple injured firefighters in remote austere locations.  After 17 years in the fire service, he recently retired from his position as a fire captain/paramedic but continues to teach wilderness medicine for Backcountry Medical Guides.  He teaches Advanced Wilderness Life Support to medical professionals, Wilderness First Responder to guides and outdoor enthusiasts and Wilderness First Aid to rangers and other professionals.  His teaching has taken him to Belize, Ecuador and Nepal.  When not working, Peter can be found outdoors with his wife and three dogs exploring backcountry trails of northern California.

Chris Heppel, Paramedic

Chris Heppel, Paramedic

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Chris is the Chief of Strategic Services for Eugene/Springfield Fire. His career started with the U.S. Air Force in 1987. For 20 years he flew as a career enlisted aviator accumulating over 5,500 flight hours on fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Throughout his active duty career he participated in military, disaster and humanitarian operations worldwide specializing in strategic airlift, combat search and rescue and isolated personnel recovery. Chris retired as the Operations Superintendent of the 66th Rescue Squadron, Las Vegas in 2007. During his military career he found an interest in EMS and completed his education in the civilian setting. His EMS career paralleled his military duties as he worked as a paramedic in private, cooperate and hospital based EMS systems in Atlanta and Las Vegas prior to moving back to Oregon post retirement. Chris then began his second career in the fire service. He started with a combination department and during his first 10 years promoted through the ranks to Assistant Chief. He then was offered a Deputy Chief position with Eugene Springfield Fire where he oversees training, logistics, EMS, special teams and large event planning. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and holds the designation of Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Additionally, he is a member of the Oregon State Fire Marshalls Type 2 incident management teams. Chris is the recipient of the Oregon EMS and Trauma Systems Meritorious Service and Commitment to Quality Awards. Chris and his wife Laurie raise Christmas Trees on their small farm and active with the local volunteer fire department. Additionally, they also volunteer with international non-profit organizations who focus on the development of emergency response systems.

Barbara Brittell, PA

Barbara Brittell, PA

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Dr. Shreestee MaharZan, MD

Dr. Shreestee MaharZan, MD

Medical Advisor, Nepal

Bio

Dr. MaharZan is our newly appointed In-Country medical Director. She holds a MBBS degree (Bachelor or Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery) from the Universal College of Medical Sciences, at Nepal’s Tribhuvan University.

Dr. Maharjan is a graduate of our RMR program and has taught a number of RFR courses. She is interested in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. Being an EMS agency Medical Director is new to her and rare to find in Nepal. She is interested and motivated to learn. We look forward to working with her, helping her professionally learn and grow, and helping her help the residents and visitors to Dhading District have better emergency care services.

Her statement: “As a doctor, I like every field related to health but especially I prefer emergency medicine. Emergency medicine gives more exercise to our brain. Ability to deal with quick and effective management represents emergency management which I like. Patients treated in an emergency determine his/her stay at hospital and life’s decision.” “Talking about RFR, I think it is somehow related to emergency medicine and more than that. The best part of RFR is each and every person plays a vital role to save life of patients. Even lay man can decrease morbidity and even mortality of patients. We can use limited resources available in our surroundings to treat the victims and transport safely to hospital in short period of time.” “Apart from professional life, I am very much a fun-loving person. I like to explore new places and make new friends, and know about their lifestyle. I spend my leisure time watching movies and travelling different places.”

Prativa Tripathi, RN

Prativa Tripathi, RN

Chief EMS Officer, Nepal

Bio

Prativa is an EMT, an RMR Instructor/class coordinator, and Nepal Medics’ Lead RFR Instructor. Nobody has taught more RFR courses than Prativa. She has helped instruct approximately 1,100 RFR’s and 200 RMR’s). 

We are most grateful to her commitment. Born in the Dhading District town of Malekhu, Prativa now lives in Kathmandu. Completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nepal Institute of Health Sciences (2013) and working as a Nursing Instructor, she went on to attend the EMT course offered by Stanford Emergency Medicine International and Patan Academy of Health Sciences in February, 2017. Prativa loves to travel different places and read. We hope we have a long relationship with Prativa.

Bio

Chris is the Chief of Strategic Services for Eugene/Springfield Fire. His career started with the U.S. Air Force in 1987. For 20 years he flew as a career enlisted aviator accumulating over 5,500 flight hours on fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Throughout his active duty career he participated in military, disaster and humanitarian operations worldwide specializing in strategic airlift, combat search and rescue and isolated personnel recovery. Chris retired as the Operations Superintendent of the 66th Rescue Squadron, Las Vegas in 2007. During his military career he found an interest in EMS and completed his education in the civilian setting. His EMS career paralleled his military duties as he worked as a paramedic in private, cooperate and hospital based EMS systems in Atlanta and Las Vegas prior to moving back to Oregon post retirement. Chris then began his second career in the fire service. He started with a combination department and during his first 10 years promoted through the ranks to Assistant Chief. He then was offered a Deputy Chief position with Eugene Springfield Fire where he oversees training, logistics, EMS, special teams and large event planning. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and holds the designation of Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Additionally, he is a member of the Oregon State Fire Marshalls Type 2 incident management teams. Chris is the recipient of the Oregon EMS and Trauma Systems Meritorious Service and Commitment to Quality Awards. Chris and his wife Laurie raise Christmas Trees on their small farm and active with the local volunteer fire department. Additionally, they also volunteer with international non-profit organizations who focus on the development of emergency response systems.

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Bio

Dr. MaharZan is our newly appointed In-Country medical Director. She holds a MBBS degree (Bachelor or Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery) from the Universal College of Medical Sciences, at Nepal’s Tribhuvan University.

Dr. Maharjan is a graduate of our RMR program and has taught a number of RFR courses. She is interested in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. Being an EMS agency Medical Director is new to her and rare to find in Nepal. She is interested and motivated to learn. We look forward to working with her, helping her professionally learn and grow, and helping her help the residents and visitors to Dhading District have better emergency care services.

Her statement: “As a doctor, I like every field related to health but especially I prefer emergency medicine. Emergency medicine gives more exercise to our brain. Ability to deal with quick and effective management represents emergency management which I like. Patients treated in an emergency determine his/her stay at hospital and life’s decision.” “Talking about RFR, I think it is somehow related to emergency medicine and more than that. The best part of RFR is each and every person plays a vital role to save life of patients. Even lay man can decrease morbidity and even mortality of patients. We can use limited resources available in our surroundings to treat the victims and transport safely to hospital in short period of time.” “Apart from professional life, I am very much a fun-loving person. I like to explore new places and make new friends, and know about their lifestyle. I spend my leisure time watching movies and travelling different places.”

Bio

Prativa is an EMT, an RMR Instructor/class coordinator, and the NM Lead RFR Instructor. Nobody has taught more RFR courses than Prativa (approximately 1100 and 200 RMRs).

We are most grateful to her. Born in the Dhading District town of Malekhu, Prativa now lives in Kathmandu. Completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nepal Institute of Health Sciences (2013) and working as a Nursing Instructor, she went on to attend the EMT course offered by Stanford Emergency Medicine International and Patan Academy of Health Sciences in February, 2017. Prativa loves to travel different places and read. We hope we have a long and positive relationship with Prativa.

Val Codino, Paramedic

Val Codino, Paramedic

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Val began his journey in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) back in 1973; however, Val’s passion has always been EMS. Val like many started his EMS tenure on ground ambulances. It was on ground ambulance where his ability and positive can do attitude was recognized by one of the premiere flight medic organization in the world (also a nonprofit organization). Val accepted a position where he served as an emergency flight medic. Once again Val was noticed for ability, knowledge and demeanor and was offered a position as a tactical medic with a Portland Metro Area SWAT unit. Val retired in 2015 from a Portland Metro Area Fire Department at the rank of Battalion Chief. Val just couldn’t stay away from EMS and now shares his passion for helping those in need and his priceless knowledge in Prehospital Emergency Medicine as an Adjunct Faculty paramedic instructor at Chemeketa Community College. In true Val style of giving back and practicing what you preach he volunteers on a rural fire department Medic. He and his wife Lois have three children and seven grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, camping and spending time with their family. Val has truly lived is motto “Service Before Self” his entire life!

Paul Bucca, EMT

Paul Bucca, EMT

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Paul, now retired, has been a rural volunteer EMT for over 10 years in Idaho. Paul has ran more than 700 calls and puts in an average of 4,200 shift hours a year. He was the Clinical Operations Officer for Mores Creek Ambulance for 4 years. He has made multiple trips to Nepal for trekking and two trips to Nepal assist with RMR training and delivering talks to numerous municipal leaders on EMS System concerns. He is currently mentoring a Nepali undergraduate student to obtain his Masters in Hospital Administration in the US.

Rich Konopka, Paramedic

Rich Konopka, Paramedic

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

Rich is a retired Rescue Specialist with training in open water, remote, high altitude, desert and mountain rescue and recovery. His knowledge of and experience in austere environments brings special knowledge to the Nepal Medics team. Rich has traveled extensively, including to Nepal several times, and joined us to teach our RMR courses.

Sita Koirala, EMT

Sita Koirala, EMT

Medical Advisory Committee, Nepal

Bio

Sita is a graduate of Sanford University’s second Nepal EMT course, both our RMR and RFR Instructor course, and is has taught numerous RFR courses. Sita is one of only two Nepal RFR Instructors with EMT training. Prior to attending the EMT class, and continuing now, Sita is working on her Certificate in General Medicine degree, a 3-year program with the aim to provide mid-level health professionals who can assist the rural community in health care. After passing General Medicine she will be allowed to practice independently in any hospital, nursing home and health institution in the government and non-government sector.

Sita’s Quote: “Emergency medicine is the subject in which I am interested much. In the country like ours where EMS system is not well developed, it is great challenge to save lives following emergencies. Involvement in EMT training and RFR instruction was a great opportunity for me to study and learn more about emergency medicine service in Nepal and other part of the world. During RFR instruction, I got golden opportunity to teach rural people of Nepal and also to explore eastern and western part of Nepal. I love travelling for fun and learning.”

Bio

Val began his journey in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) back in 1973; however, Val’s passion has always been EMS. Val like many started his EMS tenure on ground ambulances. It was on ground ambulance where his ability and positive can do attitude was recognized by one of the premiere flight medic organization in the world (also a nonprofit organization). Val accepted a position where he served as an emergency flight medic. Once again Val was noticed for ability, knowledge and demeanor and was offered a position as a tactical medic with a Portland Metro Area SWAT unit. Val retired in 2015 from a Portland Metro Area Fire Department at the rank of Battalion Chief. Val just couldn’t stay away from EMS and now shares his passion for helping those in need and his priceless knowledge in Prehospital Emergency Medicine as an Adjunct Faculty paramedic instructor at Chemeketa Community College. In true Val style of giving back and practicing what you preach he volunteers on a rural fire department Medic. He and his wife Lois have three children and seven grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, camping and spending time with their family. Val has truly lived is motto “Service Before Self” his entire life!

Bio

Paul, now retired, has been a rural volunteer EMT for over 10 years in Idaho. Paul has ran more than 700 calls and puts in an average of 4,200 shift hours a year. He was the Clinical Operations Officer for Mores Creek Ambulance for 4 years. He has made multiple trips to Nepal for trekking and two trips to Nepal assist with RMR training and delivering talks to numerous municipal leaders on EMS System concerns. He is currently mentoring a Nepali undergraduate student to obtain his Masters in Hospital Administration in the US.

Bio

Rich is a retired Rescue Specialist with training in open water, remote, high altitude, desert and mountain rescue and recovery. His knowledge of and experience in austere environments brings special knowledge to the Nepal Medics team. Rich has traveled extensively, including to Nepal several times, and joined us to teach our RMR courses.

Bio

Sita is a graduate of Sanford University’s second Nepal EMT course, both our RMR and RFR Instructor course, and is has taught numerous RFR courses. Sita is one of only two Nepal RFR Instructors with EMT training. Prior to attending the EMT class, and continuing now, Sita is working on her Certificate in General Medicine degree, a 3-year program with the aim to provide mid-level health professionals who can assist the rural community in health care. After passing General Medicine she will be allowed to practice independently in any hospital, nursing home and health institution in the government and non-government sector.

Sita’s Quote: “Emergency medicine is the subject in which I am interested much. In the country like ours where EMS system is not well developed, it is great challenge to save lives following emergencies. Involvement in EMT training and RFR instruction was a great opportunity for me to study and learn more about emergency medicine service in Nepal and other part of the world. During RFR instruction, I got golden opportunity to teach rural people of Nepal and also to explore eastern and western part of Nepal. I love travelling for fun and learning.”

Dan Cook

Dan Cook

Web Master, United States

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Gary McLean, Paramedic, RN

Gary McLean, Paramedic, RN

Bio

Gary was an RN, Paramedic who has been actively involved with EMS response since 1973. He provided emergency care and EMS training in areas ranging from urban to remote wilderness settings, responding via ground, air and water based, within the USA and internationally. Most recently, his love for sharing what he has learned from others in EMS has taken him to Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Haiti. Gary was one of the original members of Nepal’s Dhading District’s EMS training program

David Mull, Paramedic

David Mull, Paramedic

Medical Advisory Committee, United States

Bio

David has been involved in emergency medicine for over 25 years. He feels extremely lucky to have been able to quickly combine his medical training and passion for the outdoors with work in work mountain rescue and disaster response paramedicine in the Pacific Northwest Region of the US. In addition to being an active field-deployed medic, he is also a supervisor, field training officer and instructor of wilderness medicine, rope rescue, swiftwater rescue and alpine rescue. After honing his skills in the backcountry, he started working as a Remote Paramedic and Safety Officer at a multitude of projects both onshore and offshore worldwide. In 2017 David traveled to Nepal and taught a RMR course which solidified his desire to share his wealth experiences and knowledge to others all across the world.

Bio

Biography Coming Soon

Bio

Gary was an RN, Paramedic who has been actively involved with EMS response since 1973. He provided emergency care and EMS training in areas ranging from urban to remote wilderness settings, responding via ground, air and water based, within the USA and internationally. Most recently, his love for sharing what he has learned from others in EMS has taken him to Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Haiti. Gary was one of the original members of Nepal’s Dhading District’s EMS training program.

Bio

David has been involved in emergency medicine for over 25 years. He feels extremely lucky to have been able to quickly combine his medical training and passion for the outdoors with work in work mountain rescue and disaster response paramedicine in the Pacific Northwest Region of the US. In addition to being an active field-deployed medic, he is also a supervisor, field training officer and instructor of wilderness medicine, rope rescue, swiftwater rescue and alpine rescue. After honing his skills in the backcountry, he started working as a Remote Paramedic and Safety Officer at a multitude of projects both onshore and offshore worldwide. In 2017 David traveled to Nepal and taught a RMR course which solidified his desire to share his wealth experiences and knowledge to others all across the world.

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