Second CMAT team deployed to Indonesia for reconstruction; first team to return to Canada by end of week
CMAT Volunteers at press conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada giving details of their mission to Indonesia. (Photo from The StarPhoenix, Saskatchewan, Canada, January 14, 2005).
January 18, 2005: CMAT’s second team of volunteers were deployed to Indonesia today where they will conduct reconstruction projects in Meuloboh, and possibly Banda Aceh. The team of 5 are professional paramedics from Saskatchewan, and one is a licensed heavy equipment operator. Canadian Medical Assistance Team’s first team, led by Mr. Bill Coltart, who left for Indonesia on January 5, will be returning to Canada by the end of this week.
The CMAT second team members consist of the following individuals:
- Mr. Gerry Schriemer, Paramedic (Team Leader)
- Mr. Tim Hillier, Paramedic
- Mr. Andrew Williamson, Paramedic
- Mr. Scott Ingraham, Paramedic, Disaster Planning.
- Mr. Randall Erickson, Paramedic, Heavy Equipment Operator
All are employed by MD Ambulance, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Their employer has generously agreed to pay the team their wages while they volunteer for CMAT in Indonesia. CMAT is grateful for this generous support. The team secured donations of hand tools from Saskatoon’s Home Depot, and three large garage-sized tents from Coverall Building Systems, and other equipment from several other companies. The equipment is being shipped at no cost to CMAT by Skylink Aviation. CMAT is presently preparing a third team who will consist of Child Trauma Counselors, teachers, and nurses.
Stay tuned to our website for reports and photos of their mission. Indonesia was the hardest hit in the region, and has suffered over 100,000 deaths and counting. CMAT expects to remain in Indonesia for at least six months where it will organize reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. CMAT is grateful for the support of its donors.
