Veteran Rescuer Faces Unprecedented Battle at Home
The DyA (Stop and Help) is a non-profit organization established in Spain in 1966. Initially focused on assisting victims of car accidents, it has grown into a leading rescue and relief service providing sanitary and humanitarian aid internationally.
Now, as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the globe, DyA volunteers find themselves on the front lines within their own communities. They are transporting COVID-19 patients to hospitals in the Basque Country, patrolling to ensure that confinement rules are respected, offering socio-sanitary assistance to those in need, and disinfecting medical centers, public buildings, and senior residences.
Among these dedicated professionals is Javier Ardanaz, a veteran rescuer with 40 years of experience. As the chief of the Special Group for Rescue and Relief of the DyA in Biscay, Ardanaz has participated in relief missions for numerous international disasters, including the devastating tsunami in Indonesia, several typhoons in Java, and the earthquake in Pakistan. Yet, he acknowledges that he has never faced an emergency quite like the COVID-19 pandemic. “This time, we are fighting an unknown enemy right at our doorstep,” he reflects.
He emphasizes the significance of community support during these challenging times. “The people’s applause is our vitamins,” says Ardanaz, referring to the nightly gestures of appreciation from residents confined to their homes. “It gives us strength and reminds us why we do what we do.”
The DyA’s commitment to serving both locally and internationally underscores the global nature of humanitarian efforts. As the pandemic continues to affect countries around the world, the experiences of professionals like Ardanaz resonate with communities far beyond Spain’s borders, highlighting the shared challenges and collective efforts needed to overcome this crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
