Venezuela Disaster Relief, Caracas, Venezuela 2026

The cost of this trip for each volunteer is tax deductible donation of approximately $TBD.  You will be notified of the final cost as soon as possible.  Volunteers are also responsible for purchasing their international airfare to Caracas, Venezuela. 

WHY

Global First Responder, in partnership with Venezuela, has been invited to provide medical camps in the earthquake-affected areas.

At this time, most of the large field hospitals are gone, and the local healthcare providers who have worked tirelessly to care for survivors need to return to their regular work. We will provide much-needed relief to these incredible providers by operating medical camps in some of the hardest-hit areas.

WHERE

Conditions in Venezuela remain extremely difficult for the nearly 750,000 people directly affected by the doublet earthquake that struck on June 24, 2026, impacting northwestern and central Venezuela.

Caracas and La Guaira sustained widespread damage.  In La Guaira, 80% of all buildings collapsed.  6500 fatalities have been confirmed and as a of August, 226,700 were injured or hospitalized.  Tens of thousands of people are still missing.

With thousands of people living in temporary camps, the UN estimated that 1.3 million people will be impacted by this earthquake in 2026 and far beyond.

Schools are beginning to reopen, with multiple schools sharing single facilities. Most hospitals remain non-functioning or are sharing services wherever possible

WHO

Unlike most of our trips, disaster medicine involves many unknowns.   Our hosts are the leaders in the disaster response and have asked us to support their ongoing efforts by expanding capacity, providing hands-on medical care, and teaching medical students.

For this initial trip, we are accepting medical providers, nurses, and paramedics only.

Specialists are welcome, particularly those in:

• Emergency Medicine
• Psychiatry and Psychology, trauma-related
• Physical Therapy
• Pediatrics
• OB/GYN and Midwifery
• Post-surgical Orthopedic care
• Respiratory care
• Wound care

You will be working at field sites rather than hospitals, as there are currently no fully functioning hospitals in the affected areas and many have been damaged beyond repair.

Expect rough and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential.

WHAT

Our team will fly into Caracas.

We will support the local economy by hiring local transportation and purchasing food and water locally.

Our living arrangements are still being determined, but you should assume that camping may be involved. If you are not prepared to function independently in difficult conditions, please do not apply.

You must be self-sufficient and prepared to work in austere conditions on this trip.

HOW

GFR and our partners in Venezuela will provide all medications and wound care.

You will need to provide the tools and equipment for your specialty and for general medical care.   If you able to bring additional advanced wound-care supplies or other appropriate items to donate, they will be greatly appreciated.

Education will be a primary focus of your care.

WHEN

The team plans to be on the ground from November 15 – 21, 2026.

You will be required to arrive in Caracas early on November 15 so the team can prepare that evening and be ready to work the following day.

We will see as many patients as possible while ensuring that every patient receives thorough and safe care.

Departure will be either November 21 or November 22, 2026

Transportation from the airport is currently being arranged. You will be notified of all arranged upon being accepted to the team.

Before you apply for any GFR trip, please click on the link below and read about GFR’s philosophy for successful teams and trips:   

Required Reading about GFR TRIPS

To learn more about costs and fundraising, click on this link: 

Costs and Fundraising Options at GFR  

 

I want to join the GFR team in Venezuela and understand the conditions and situation I will be working in.  

Click here to apply for this team: 

VENEZUELA – Disaster Relief in Earthquake Affected Areas