LIMA 2019 RECOGNIZES BRAVE ACTION OF “HEROIC VOLUNTEER”

They have not only been recognized nationally and internationally because of their kindness and great work ethic. The volunteers of Lima 2019 are also synonymous with neighborly love in extreme situations.

One of those difficult situations occurred at the Uniform and Accreditation Center (UAC) located in Jockey Club, Santiago de Surco, last Sunday at 12:30, when the volunteers were having lunch in the dining hall.

All of the sudden, the volunteer named Manuel Esteban Carruitero Gonzales (51) started to show signs of choking. The volunteer Gustavo Adolfo Espejo Alvarado (41) reacted quickly and preformed first-aid techniques on his friend in order to help him.

Gustavo’s timely intervention allowed Manuel to expel the piece of meat he was choking on. This story, that could have had a tragic ending, had a happy one thanks to the courage and determination of a Lima 2019 volunteer.

Manuel Carruitero, an economist by profession, was thankful for Gustavo’s help, because thanks to his opportune intervention he was able to come out okay from a life-threatening situation and can now continue his work as a volunteer.

“Everything turned out okay because we work as a team and we help each other in this once-in-a-lifetime experience as volunteers,” said Manuel who has been working since June 10 at the UAC.

According to Gustavo Espejo, who studied Political Science at the National University of San Marcos and is now studying a Law at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, it was important to perform the Heimlich Maneuver quickly and properly. This technique is used to dislodge food stuck in a person’s throat. Gustavo had learnt it theoretically, but it was his first time performing it in real life.

When he saw his fellow volunteer required assistance he did not hesitate to help him; he knew that every second was vital for his well-being.

They are now more united than ever and happy to have made history as part of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

The head of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Office, Angela Morales, highlighted the importance of Gustavo Espejo’s life-saving actions, which should serve as an inspiration to others.

“We’re proud to participate in the same program. Let’s not let our guard down, let’s keep on working our hardest,” she said.

WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee recognized this courageous action and, through Gustavo Espejo Alvarado, recognized the thousands of volunteers who have contributed to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games having been described as the best Games in history by Panam Sports. This distinction will be reaffirmed in the upcoming days during the Parapan American Games.

In addition to his commendable action, Gustavo Espejo Alvarado was recognized for his outstanding work as a volunteer at the Uniform and Accreditation Center.