Russ Reina
Russ Reina was one of the first Mobile Intensive Unit Paramedics in the U.S. (1970’s) and has lived in the Northern Sierra since 2013. He has invested time learning the differences between systems of medical care in the U.S./North America and Ecuador, especially as it applies to the aging expat population. He is a Moderator on Ecuador Emergency on Facebook and founder of ¡ExpatRed! the precursor to Cotacachi Health Chapters both of which are about neighbor helping neighbor in expat populations. The focus of his medical writings, in large part, is to educate the expat population so that they don’t become a burden on Ecuador’s existing medical services. Russ can be reached at firetender@firetender.org
Articles by Russ Reina
Translation Services In A Medical Emergency Can Save Your Life
Whether you like it or not, or even believe it, the second a true medical emergency comes into your life you become even more of a stranger in a strange land....
A Sober Look At Hospital Care In Ecuador: A Primer For Expats
If you’re from North America chances are you’ve been brainwashed. It’s not your fault. For all the time you’ve lived “up there” your reality has been dominated...
“Papa Noel” or “Plata Noel”? Twelve Questions for Expats this Christmas
Let’s talk about the Christmas messages, we the expat community, may be sending to our Indigenous neighbors, and in turn, how some of them may be embracing...
Do You Have an Exit Strategy?
Some people choose jobs, some jobs choose people. Take “Journeyman Jack” Abercrombie. He's based in Cumbaya, Ecuador, and is an expert on life as an expat the...
Understanding Ecuadors Emergency Medical Services
EMS in Ecuador is like Forrest Gump’s Box of Chocolates: You Never Know What You’re Going to Get! What I’ll say may not be comforting, but it could save your...