The Costa Rica Fire Department and the National System of Areas of Conservation (SINAC) signed and agreement to open a fire station at the Isla del Coco National Park which will begin operating in January 2018.

This will be the 76th fire station in the country; the initiative will provide uninterrupted paramedic services in the island to provide medical attention to all those that visit the National Park whether for scientific or tourism purposes.

Isla del Coco is located 480 km off Costa Rica’s mainland, the closest location to receive help in the event of an accident is 36 hours away; because of this situation the decision was taken for the Fire Department to provide a service that will contribute with the safety and prompt medical attention of the tourists, scientists and residents of the Island.

The personnel that will be sent to the Island will have knowledge in the: pre-hospital emergency care, rescue, attention of incidents with animals, fire control, aquatic rescue, vertical rescue and mountain rescue. The teams will be rotated on a monthly basis; every member must receive special training regarding live in the Island and the rules they must follow to live in a protected area.

A few weeks ago a USA tourist was attacked by a shark and died; this is the first shark attack reported in the island.