Description RMAP Thailand

Project Description

Since the 1960's, rapid deforestation caused by commercial logging and agriculture has dramatically affected the lives of everyone in Thailand, from Bangkok residents who have been displaced by flooding, to farmers in rural areas who have seen their soil quality and crop yields decrease due to drought and desertification. Sustainable Agriculture provides a timely opportunity for farmers in our host communities to regenerate their soil, conserve water resources, minimize land usage and increase crop yield, but most farmers are understandably hesitant to experiment with new techniques. 

In response, GIVE is empowering teachers at local schools to create Sustainable Agriculture Learning Centers, which demonstrate how to produce a diverse variety of nutritious fruits, vegetables and livestock on relatively small plots of land. These learning centers teach students how to grow their own delicious, nutritious and organic food, while also educating them on the importance of protecting natural resources and producing food in harmony with nature. We also hold public workshops at our Learning Centers, so that local farmers can learn and practice these innovative techniques and then implement them on their own farms.

As a volunteer, you will contribute to the continued maintenance and development of these learning centers, working alongside local students and community members on tasks ranging from irrigation, planting, harvesting, making compost, building necessary structures, feeding livestock, and so much more. Ultimately, we hope to provide living proof of sustainable agriculture’s positive potential in the region and you will play a valuable role in our mission.

 

Subjects Covered

The Remote Medicine for the Advanced Provider™ (RMAP) course trains Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers such as nurses, paramedics, physicians, and physician assistants on sophisticated, life-saving techniques developed for use in challenging and remote environments.

The RMAP provides the highest level of education necessary for ALS providers to manage a patient for up to 72 hours. Meeting and exceeding the requirements set forth by NREMT for a Paramedic to recertify using the NCCP model of recertification required by all States starting in 2019, this course when approved by a student’s local agency meets the recertification requirements for the NREMT.



Itinerary

Day 1: 
Trip Start: After you’ve landed at Chiang Mai International Airport, meet your local guides in the arrivals hall and then it’s just a 20-minute drive to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore nearby Buddhist temples and night markets. Note: if you’re flying in early, you can meet us directly at the Eco Resort – Chiang Mai at 2:00pm.

Day 2:
After breakfast, we’ll take a 4-hour drive north through dense jungle and limestone mountains towards our home for the next week – the hill-tribe villages of Muang Khong. After settling into your bungalows, we’ll meet as a group to review our plans for the next week and explore the surrounding community.

Days 3 - 7 (Medical Training):
Complete your medical training throughout the day and then take part in our daily excursions in the afternoon/evening: Thai cooking classes, exploring nearby villages and temples, learning to make traditional handicrafts, or just relaxing by the river. 

Days 8-9: (Community Projects)
Volunteer at a local primary school on an organic farm that produces delicious, nutritious food for local students living in dormitories. You can also join our after-school program with local students, helping to facilitate activities such as playing sports, arts & crafts and music lessons.

Day 10:
First thing in the morning, we’ll hike through terraced rice paddies, tropical jungle, and a 1.5km limestone cave. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the Karen hill-tribe village of Ba Kao Lam and learn how to build bamboo rafts with our local guides.

Day 11:
Wake up at dawn to track elephants through the jungle alongside their mahouts (elephant caretakers). That afternoon we’ll embark on a bamboo-rafting journey down the Mae Tang River towards the Lahu hill-tribe village of Pong Ngan, where we’ll share a barbecue dinner with our hosts and learn traditional dances around the bonfire! 

Day 12:
Our bamboo-rafting journey culminates with the fastest rapids and best views yet! Strap in and enjoy the ride or grab a bamboo pole and help navigate the river. After that it’s back to Chiang Mai for one final night of celebration.

Day 13:
All good things must come to an end. Soak up your last few hours in Thailand before flying home or continuing your travels in Asia.