Don’t call the national 911 hotline for help in an emergency, advises a lakeside businessman who was involved in a recent highway accident.
Oscar Farias Bringas was driving near the Casa del Waffle on the western outskirts of Ajijic when a motorcycle traveling right behind him was struck by the car riding on its tail. The teenage cyclist projected into the air and landed on the pavement. Farias parked his car sideways across the road to protect the injured boy and then dialed 911 to get medical assistance on the scene.
To his dismay, he learned that the call was picked up in Mexico City by an operator who said the report would be channeled to Ocotlán or Guadalajara. “Why not Chapala?” he pleaded. “I don’t know. That’s all I can do,” the operator replied.
Fortunately, the Good Samaritan was able to contact Cruz Roja Chapala president Yoly Martinez who immediately called for an ambulance to come to the rescue. Paramedics quickly rushed the young victim to the Chapala clinic for medical attention to put him on the mend.
The lesson learned: When time is of the essence, it’s best to avoid the round-about 911 system and call local emergency services directly. Keep these numbers close at hand: Cruz Roja at (376) 765-2308 for medical assistance; Seguridad Pública Chapala at 765-4444 for police.
Footnote: Support Cruz Roja and brighten your holiday spirits with purchases from the Ornament and Poinsettia sale set for Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., at the Ajijic Plaza. Personalized ornaments will be used to decorate the plaza Christmas tree. Pick up the classic holiday flowers to embellish your home.