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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Heroic Indiana Jones moment by Victoria House Resort Staff Marlon Gonzalez

by tacogirl 21/01/2014
written by tacogirl 21/01/2014
karen brodie

I knew it would take me a while to write this one, and I did not want to rush my thoughts just to be the first one to get the story out. I also had to wait for pics and a write up from Roceli Munoz and professional pictures from Karen Brodie as well. Not to mention every time I sat down to write about our afternoon at Victoria House, I got so excited that my mind went racing in 100 different directions. I became flooded with the movie that keeps running in my head about everyone joining together and making a big difference for the health and safety of our island from top to bottom for residents, visitors, and animals.

After hearing Marlon’s story, the following write up is a compilation of Roceli Munoz and myself along with San Pedro Belize Red Cross Volunteers Steve Falcone, Shirlee Arnould, and Mike Memeo doing first aid fact checking and giving their input based on the 2 videos.

3 weeks or so after Marlon took his first aid training, he found himself in an emergency situation where he was called upon to act fast and use his new skills to save the life of 10 year old Mirna Graciela Paguada.

While preparing something to eat he heard commotion coming from his neighborhood. Marlon sprang into action to see what was going on and if he could help. He took his flashlight (since they were in the San Mateo subdivision, which has limited electricity) and flashed around the area. After illuminating his neighbors across the river, he noticed some kids and a mother calling for help. He went in the crocodile waters to aid the wailing family. When he reached them he found out that Mirna had swallowed a marble, which had gotten stuck in her throat.  Her family was in a panic not knowing what to do.

Marlon could tell by her color she was not well and after doing a few fast back blows to try and dislodge the marble, he could see the girl was turning blue and going unresponsive. Marlon laid her on the ground and started doing chest compressions. He remembered that you switch from back blows an abdominal thrusts to CPR when a choking person turns blue, because their heart has stopped pumping oxygenated blood. At the same time Marlon was administering CPR on Mirna, he called for her brother Dixon to help by the dory (small flat bottomed fishing boat), so they could get to the Holy Cross Anglican School.

On the boat, Marlon kept doing compressions and as they got closer to the other side of the river, the girl started regaining her color and becoming a bit responsive. Marlon put Mirna over his his shoulder and carried her across the bridge, found a taxi and got her to Dr. Dan’s office. When they arrived Dr. Dan was washing up and needed a few minutes. Marlon could tell the marble had moved and let Mirna know she know going to be fine. Dr. Dan came back quickly and examined her and found her to be in good condition, charged them $20 BZD for the visit, and sent them on their way.

From that night on (December 31, 2013) Marlon will always be a hero for that family and those of us who know him – we have much respect. What could have been a very heart-breaking start of 2014 for the Paguada family of five, turned out to have a very happy ending because of Marlon Gonzalez. It is remarkable to see Mirna out riding her bicycle, knowing she is still alive and has her whole life ahead of her. The events that led up to and the unfolding of Marlon’s heroic actions are proof that together we can make a difference in the lives of our community, and we do truly make a great team.

Victoria House Resort is to be commended for having an extremely high number of their staff in first aid training. They are regulars at San Pedro Belize Red Cross classes and they are big fans of Bandage International, who does an annual additional training onsite for their staff.

Shout out to the to the Belize Red Cross and partners Bandage International who trained Marlon. We would love to see you here more than once a year.

Props to Lara at Romantic Travel Belize for being in the right place at the right time to hear Marlon’s miraculous story and letting the San Pedro Red Cross know. You can read her account of the event on on True Story of Heroism in San Mateo that reads like an Indiana Jones movie.

Thanks to Ambergris Today and San Pedro Sun for coming. Both did great write ups, and Marty Cassado who put it on AmbergrisCaye.com in the thread Victoria House Employee Saves Choking 11-Year-Old.

Special thanks to Karen Brodie Photography for doing a wonderful photo shoot for the Paguada family. Evlyn and Wilson, the two youngest children both loved the camera, as you will see from Karen’s Pictures below.

Although this story is about a life being saved, it is so much more than that. It is a story of true human spirit. A story of a small community coming together to make Ambergris Caye island safe and turning what could have been a tragic start to the New Year into a reason to celebrate. When I opened Karen’s email yesterday at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill, I fell in love with the first picture and this whole story on a deeper level. As I added the close ups I really stopped to look at Mirna and think about how amazing it is that she is still alive.

karen brodie

Amazing Mirna is still with us thanks to Marlon -picture by Karen Brodie Photography

karen brodie photography

Mirna Graciela Paguada is a thoughtful girl –  picture by Karen Brodie Photography

mirna graciela paguada picture by karen brodie photography

Mirna has the most beautiful eyes – picture by Karen Brodie Photography

 belize picture by karen brodie photography

She is a lovely, shy, and happy girl – picture by Karen Brodie Photography

Then of course Marlon Gonzalez, an honest, friendly, and hard working guy. Little did he know that the 2 day First Aid Training with Bandage International, his employers at Victoria House Resort sent him onward to make him a hero.

marlon gonzalez san pedro

Marlon The Hero – picture by Karen Brodie photography

I was sorry that their mom and Dixon could not be there to share the moment with us. I know Jorge told his wife and son all about the great afternoon they shared and much fun everyone had. I will make sure that Linda or Lydia at Holy Cross school shows them this post. These next two pictures of Wilson and Evlyn can’t help but make you smile and feel happy.

karen brodie

A Little Hammock Fun – by Karen Brodie Photography

evelyn paguada picture by karen brodie photography

Evlyn – picture by Karen Brodie photography

These next pictures are by Roceli Munoz along with 2 videos I shot of Marlon telling his story. The first one with Steve, Mike and Marlon has better sound as it is shielded from the wind. I thought the second one was nice as it is outside and included the family.

The amazing story of how Marlon Gonzalez saved Mirna Graciela Paguada’s life

Take two outside version Marlon’s story of saving Mirna Graciela Paguada’s life.

For everyone there that afternoon and each in our own private way, a stronger bond has been formed from Victoria House to San Mateo.

marlon gonzalez and lara goldman at victoria house resort

Marlon and Lara on the front seating area at Victoria House Resort

victoria house resort by picturer by roceli muñoz

Marlon and three of the Paguada Family Picture by Roceli Munoz

voctoria house

Group photo Belize Red Cross and the Paguada family celebrating Marlon Gonzalez

belize red cross

Shirlee handing Marlon a token of appreciation including a first aid kit Belize Red Cross t-shirt and notebook

Not wanting to end a special occasion so fast, I decided after the interview we should head over to Admiral Nelson Bar to enjoy a toast. Lara suggested the girls try Shirley Temples, while everyone else went with soda’s. I opted for fresh lime juice. Thank you Janet and Victoria House for your contribution to our celebration.

admiral nelson bar victoria house resort

Cheers to Marlon and the Paguada at the Admiral Nelson Bar

belize red cross and marlon gonzalez at victoria house resortouse belize

More handshaking and congratulating at Admiral Nelson Bar at Victoria House Resort

Before long Wilson’s clowning around had Karen directing us to move the photo shoot outside so he could enjoy a wider area to play for the camera. She is great with kids and knows how to get them having the time of their life. Evlyn was a close second for energy, Jorge and Mirna enjoyed watching the show.

karen brodie photography

Karen moved the photo shoot to the beach after our drinks

karen brodie photography

Looking at all the great pictures Karen took

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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5 comments

Charlotte 27/01/2014 - 6:23 pm

…oops INedibles

Reply
tacogirl 27/01/2014 - 6:59 pm

I am not sure and that is one question I did not want to ask as I did not want to make her feel badly pointing that out. I bet you would be good as a secondary role first aider Charlotte to calm the person down and call for help. Anything you can do helps.

Reply
Charlotte 27/01/2014 - 6:21 pm

What a hero! Thank God the girl survived. I am certified in CPR, as I work in a school. I hope I never have to use it, but I wonder if I would freeze in a panic. I wonder what made her put a marble in her mouth? 10 year olds typically don’t put unedibles in their mouths developmentally. Seems odd that she would choke on anything other than food.

Reply
Susan Chickness 25/01/2014 - 6:34 pm

Great story! Mirna is a very lucky little girl that Marlon was there for her.
So happy that Bandage’s work there is paying off. We love hearing stories like this.
We will be at Victoria House next week and are so looking forward to meeting Marlon to congratulate him on a job well done. Keep the training up, it does pay off.A proud Mom

Reply
tacogirl 26/01/2014 - 7:43 am

Nice Susan, that will be so much fun for the wedding. You must be a super proud mom right now.

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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