Category Archives: International

German Tourists are Rescued

The PNC and Comandos de Salvamento start an intense operation of SAR looking for the Germans.

Two Germans became missing Tuesday afternoon around the Chaparriastique Volcano in San Miguel. Comandos de Salvamento, National Firefighters, and other first responder groups participated in the search.

Luckily the Germans, Jens Bauer and Anika Jentner, were located and examined by our Medics to rule out any injuries or illnesses.

Jens Bauer y Anika Jentner went missing for 5 hours.
The Red Cross documenting the situation. .
More than 12 comando SAR operators took place in the event to locate the Germans.

Vice News Covers Comandos: Gangs Targeting Youth

Gangs have been a part of El Salvador for many decades now and has always been a difficult situation for the youth of El Salvador. This theme fluctuates up and down though in the public eye through the media depending on the geo political environment between El Salvador and the United States. We are grateful for Vice covering our work under somewhat trying circumstances.

New People’s Norwegian Aid Director Visits la Base Central

Felipe Atkins, new  Latin America Regional Director visits with CDS Staff at their main base in San Salvador.

Felipe Atkins, assigned regional director of Norsk Folkehjelp in Latin America stopped by to visit the Comandos since “Ayuda Popular Noruega” has assisted CDS with various projects since the early 80s and is one of the primary supporters of the CDS mission.

Felipe Atkins and assistant Nestor Napal, met with members of the CDS governing board to discuss the mission, projects, and future growth of Comandos.  Both expressed interest in workshops developed over the last decade by the CDS Gender team whose focus is to augment support and equality for all CDS first responders and volunteers regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.  Another focus discussed was the empowerment of women comandos throughout the institution.

Comandos de Salvamento has on average 10 female first responders on the SAR and Extrication team who have proven themselves to be an essential part of these teams to support male, female, geriatric and children patients. They also have shown themselves able to manage the Jaws of Life and other extrication equipment in order to extricate victims of MVAs.

Felipe Atkins reports that Norsk Folkehjelp will continue to support the values, mission, and rescue teams of Comandos de Salvamento well into the future and CDS is thankful for this essential component to help the people of El Salvador.

Nestor Nepal asks questions of Efraim Solis during Norsk Folkehjelp’s visit to the main base.

The Badulak Family: A Heart of Gold for El Salvador

El amor al necesitado, el querer ayudar al prójimo, demostrar que existen muchas personas de gran corazón para nuestros compatriotas es algo muy importante para la familia Badulak, así lo señalan el Dr. Andrew y Stephanie, una pareja de estadounidenses residentes en Pensilvania, Estados Unidos y que desde hace 15 años han viajado a El Salvador.

Doctors Andrew and Stephanie Badulak have been offering their services to the people of El Salvador over the last 15 years.  They have sought donations from their own communities to help the most needy while Comandos hosted and mediated their medical expertise. Their children, Alexander and Julia always accompanied when possible after they founded Doctors of the Americas and were able to unite medical students and optometrists for their cause.

Stephanie Badulak, has stated that they will continue to help as long as the need continues.

“Hemos enseñado a nuestros hijos que el ayudar a los necesitados es algo muy importe, dar amor, es algo que hemos demostrado a ellos, creo que no hay mejor regalo que ellos continúen con esta gran obra que tenemos con los Comandos de Salvamento”, afirma Stephanie mientras su esposo el Dr. Badulak afirma que está enamorado de las pupusas.

“we have taught our children to help those in most need, to give unconditional love while alongside the Comandos de Salvamento while my spouse Dr. Badulak will continue to love las pupusas.

Alexander Badulak first came to El Salvador while young and now returns as a physician.
Robert McCaw handing out donated clothing in San Carlos Lempa.
Julia Badulak McCaw.
Robert and Julia McCaw.
Doctors of the Americas in San Juan Tepezontes, Departamento de La Paz.

Dr. Andrew Badulak chief of missions.
Dr. Andrew Badulak thanks comandos de salvamento for an accomplished mission 2017.
Doctores de las Américas in el Cantón El Escobal de San Luis La Herradura.
Stephanie Badulak at Cantón El Escobal de San Luis La Herradura.
Familia Badulak.