A Vital Lifeline for Expecting Mothers
A medic cares for a pregnant woman in the back of a Stronghold ambulance. (©️ 2025, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)
A Moment that Changed Everything
In late November 2022, our CEO Ephraim Mattos and our team from Stronghold Rescue and Relief were driving through a remote village in Burma when they encountered a pregnant woman in distress. She had been bleeding in her hut for the past 12 hours. With no vehicles in the village, and facing complications, she was unable to make the 2 day walk to the nearest clinic. Ephraim and his team immediately transported the woman several hours to through jungle roads to the clinic. A month later upon returning to the clinic, Ephraim saw her holding her healthy baby just in time for Christmas. It was this series of events that inspired the Stronghold team to create an ambulance fleet in the Karen region of Burma.
Real world effects
At the time, there were no ambulance services in the region. Inspired by this woman’s experience, Ephraim and Stronghold became the first to provide emergency medical transportation. Today, our fleet serves as the only lifeline for many pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those in urgent need of medical care, saving lives every day.
Last year, Stronghold ambulances transported more than 40 pregnant women experiencing complications
A Stronghold team member treats a pregnant women at her home before transporting her in a Stronghold ambulance. (©️ 2025, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)
A Unique Service
Our fleet is the only one operating in the Karen region. Without it, many would have no way to reach life-saving care. Whether transporting women in labor or those with severe injuries, we ensure no one is left behind.
What started as a single act of compassion has grown into a mission to save lives. With a fleet of 9 ambulances, we are saving lives 24/7 in the Karen region of Burma. Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to keep our ambulances running and expand our reach. Your help makes this possible.
A Stronghold medic assesses a pregnant woman before transport. (©️ 2025, Stronghold Rescue and Relief)
Thank you to everyone for supporting Stronghold and making our life-saving work possible.