**Cruz Roja Tijuana Streamlines Emergency Response with New First-Response Units**
In a bid to enhance its emergency response capabilities, the Mexican Red Cross in Tijuana has introduced new first-response units aimed at reducing response times in the bustling city. The initiative involves deploying medical personnel in situations that don’t immediately require ambulatory services, thus optimizing ambulance availability for more critical cases that demand patient transport to medical facilities.
Valeria de La Torre, the coordinator of the Tijuana Red Cross Rescuers, emphasized the advantage of these units. “We aim to acquire more vehicles that, while not exactly the same as ambulances, can fulfill the purpose of arriving quicker in high-traffic areas, especially during peak hours,” she explained.
As of now, the Tijuana Red Cross operates with 17 daily units, an increase from the previous 15 ambulances. De La Torre noted that these lighter vehicles serve as vital support in stabilizing patients with intermediate and advanced emergency medical technicians onboard, particularly when swift stabilization is required prior to hospital transport.
Besides their primary function, these units play a complementary role, providing necessary backup for urgent medical stabilizations. “Although nothing can fully replace the critical care provided in ambulances, lighter response units offer an essential means to manage certain scenarios directly on-scene, potentially avoiding immediate hospital transport,” noted de La Torre.
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**Secondary Article: Additional Investments and Challenges for Tijuana Red Cross**
Tijuana’s rapid urban expansion has led to increased stress on emergency medical services, exacerbated during rush hour. With a limited fleet of vehicles, the city’s Red Cross has struggled to meet rising demand, often outpacing resources. To address this, the organization has announced ongoing plans to further expand their fleet with resources prioritized for emergency call-outs across the region.
Fuel consumption remains a significant financial burden. Current estimates suggest the Tijuana Red Cross spends about seven million pesos annually on gasoline. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to support the local community with timely medical services, prioritizing investments in both their vehicle lineup and medical personnel training.
In a broader context, Tijuana continues to grapple with infrastructural and administrative challenges. While emergency services are critical, there are parallel efforts within local governance to address issues like animal welfare, road safety, and housing shortages, reflecting a multifaceted approach to enhancing overall quality of life in Tijuana.