Medical Assistance in Tourism and Heritage
What is it about?
Pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) at World Heritage Sites are crucial for the safety of visitors and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. These sites, recognized for their outstanding universal value, often attract large crowds, making medical emergency preparedness essential. An effective EMS requires a combination of preparedness, response, and collaboration among the various stakeholders involved in tourism operations.
Volunteering in medical emergencies at tourist sites can be a highly rewarding experience, allowing volunteers to provide support to both the community and visitors in emergency situations. This includes delivering primary care, assisting in emergency scenarios, and participating in medical brigades and health campaigns in remote areas—in this case, within the designated territorial areas for tourism activities at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (HSMP).
Operational site
The medical emergency assistance protocol within the HSMP integrates three main tourism operation areas: the Inca Trail, visits to the Llacta of Machu Picchu (main citadel), and the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Project Director: Dr. Alcides Vargas Echegaray
- Start Dates: Flexible Dates
- Minimum Duration: 4 weeks
- Recommended age: 17 or more
Location
- Region: Cusco
- Province: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and La Convención
- District: Machu Picchu district
Reference
Health services at the Machu Picchu tourist destination are supported by the
Emergency and Medical Unit of the Pardo-San José Clinics Consortium
(the most important in the Cusco region). This includes:
- A clinical center located next to the main entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel
- A medical support center in Wiñay Wayna, the last technical stop on the Inca Trail
- A medical support center in Machu Picchu Pueblo
The service is backed by a specialized rescue unit and experienced personnel who, together with staff at these sites, provide medical care to tourists in cases of accidents or illnesses. Initial operations are referred to our hospital network in the city of Cusco for continued treatment.
The medical referral protocol uses an ambulance between the citadel and Machu Picchu Pueblo, followed by train transport to Ollantaytambo and another ambulance to the city of Cusco. For major risks, helicopter service is available.
UNESCO’s view on this service at Machu Picchu:
“This Inca citadel in Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a well-established EMS system, including a dedicated first aid station, trained staff, and helicopter evacuation capabilities.”
- Support primary care in urgent and emergency situations at the HSMP.
- Assist and transport patients from tourist areas to health centers within the HSMP.
- Assist in medical consultations, vital signs monitoring, basic wound care, and medication distribution at medical centers in the HSMP.
- Reinforce rescue operations and evacuation efforts of affected individuals to Cusco.
- Strengthen medical brigades and health campaigns in remote areas as part of health-related social responsibility efforts.
- Establish an efficient, systematic response for urgent and emergency medical care at the HSMP.
- Contribute to a secure, well-supported tourism experience for visitors to the HSMP.
- Align with the sustainable management of natural resources.
- Promote medical practices that minimize serious health risks for visitors within the HSMP.
- Conduct disease prevention activities and promote health in HSMP communities.
30-day stay (4 weeks of work):
- Week 1: Practical induction on emergency and urgent care at the Pardo-San José Clinics.
- Weeks 2-4: Direct work according to the care protocols of medical units within the HSMP.
- Medical equipment and site staff
- Professional supervision and volunteer monitoring by a physician
- Medical uniform appropriate for doctors and/or nurses
- Emergency clinic vest
- Trekking clothes and shoes
- Weekly and final reports
- Physical and psychological readiness for medical assistance work
- Ability to adapt to real working conditions in the daily routine
- Basic knowledge of Spanish
- Volunteers must have traveler’s insurance so we can provide appropriate assistance via our travel assistance partners
- Preferably, practical or academic training in a related field, at any level (from vocational to professional)
- Lodging and 3 daily meals
- General orientation provided by staff upon arrival at the project site
- Equipment and materials for the project
- Training, workshops, and experiences in collaboration with the project team
- Supervision and mentoring for the project
- Regulated work hours
- Assistance with the volunteer’s own hygiene and cleaning needs
- Guidance on weekend activities