From rescued to rescuers, orphans-turned-medics run remote Thai ambulance service

Really happy to be sharing this piece about the Bamboo School and its extraordinary work training youngsters as medics in a part of Thailand, previously cut off from the country's healthcare system.

It's a slight departure from my usual environmental/sustainability themes, but I feel a truly sustainable future cannot be built without providing access to healthcare for all.

The Bamboo School runs the only ambulance service in this remote part of Thailand. Photo: The Bamboo School and Friends.

I was lucky enough to visit the Bamboo School and interview Catherine Riley-Bryan. She is an exceptional lady, whose work with underprivileged youngsters fleeing the troubles across the border in Myanmar is remarkable.  It was an insightful experience and she told me stories I will never forget.

I love the quote Riley-Bryan gave me to sum up her work:

“If we can change our kids’ mindsets from merely surviving into actually thriving, and get them looking at how they can help others, rather than what they can grab for themselves: then they can overcome some of the problems they have inherited.” 

I'd like to thank Mowai Apisuttipanya and Bamboo School student Suriwan for answering my questions as well. Mowai has been connected with the Bamboo School since childhood and is now a fully qualified medical doctor, who cut his teeth on the ambulance project.

Catherine Riley-Bryan and Mowai Apisuttipanya stand proudly next to the Bamboo School’s long-serving, first ambulance. Photo: Helen Mullen

The article focuses on the 'ins and outs' of establishing and running a fleet of rural ambulances, how Riley-Bryan gets the teenagers involved and the impact the project is having.  Since they got their first ambulance in 2009 the project has inspired many youngsters to seek careers in medicine.

Pupils enjoying a meal at The Bamboo School. Photo: The Bamboo School and Friends

Pupils receive sponsorship to complete their studies, and the results are impressive. Two have become public health nurses, one of whom runs the local government clinic. Another five are now qualified nurses working at nearby hospitals. Three more former students are currently in medical school.

The Bamboo School also run a clinic which provides essential healthcare to the local community. Photo: Ewen Mcleish

I am grateful to Coconuts for publishing my article, please check it out in full here. Thanks also to Helen Mullen of Eco Beasts for the introducing me to the Bamboo School.

There are many children and young people living at the Bamboo School who are in need of sponsorship and support to find out more visit The Bamboo School online.