Cardiovascular diseases remain the primary cause of death globally, making up 31% of all recorded fatalities per year (1). This shocking statistic highlights the vital importance of the work of Dr Carlos and Salvando Latidos AC.
The organisation was founded in 2018 founded by a group of health professionals who, concerned about public health problems coupled with the social context of Mexico, set out to create an altruistic, non-profit platform to prevent, diagnose, care and rehabilitate people at-risk or suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Dr Carlos joined the organisation in November 2018 as General Director.
The initial focus of Salvando Latidos was to provide basic medical training, most notably CPR training, to make people better aware of the danger of heart conditions and better equipped to intervene in an emergency. However, with Carlos' support, the organisation scaled its fundraising capabilities to expand its operations and the scale of its impact. Salvandos is now one of the most recognised Cardiovascular NGOs in Mexico. An estimated 6,300 people have been trained to perform potentially life-saving CPR and first aid. An additional 188 patients have detected heart conditions from the early diagnosis campaign. Through partnerships with physicians, the organisation has ensured 269 patients have received consultancy, diagnosis tests and essential surgeries. Patients are charged according to a socioeconomic evaluation, to ensure that treatment is affordable to all who need it, even free if needed.
As with so many organisations in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted Salvando Latidos' activities. Between March and June, Carlos partnered with fellow OYW Ambassador Adan Ramirez to provide vital PPE to 5,000 underresourced physicians. In August, adapted operations recommenced in the form of general medical education programmes, through which 26,136 people have been educated.
