Continued
It was my privilege to work with the University of Miami, Project Medishare for voluntary medical earthquake relief in Haiti. Port-au-Prince Haiti was reduced to rubble on Jan. 12 after a 7.0 strength earthquake. Tens of thousands, perhaps more, were killed instantly, and behind is the remains of a fractured people in mass destruction. I have never considered myself to be one blessed with much talent, but I was called to use the specialized skills I have as a nurse and in particular, wound specialist. My colleague and friend, Dr. Robert Kirsner, of the University of Miami was organizing the efforts to provide wound care within Project Medishare. The university prepares its volunteers well. The conditions in Haiti are primitive. Supplies and equipment are often unavailable. Conditions are crowded, confused and loud. Sleeping conditions are not gender segregated; showering and personal comfort is substandard. Notwithstanding, it was an inspirational and deeply rewarding experience.
The hospital in Haiti consists of 4 large tents and many smaller tents. One tent is OR, ICU, and Pediatrics. Another tent is adult med-surg. A third tent is used for staff sleeping quarters. There is also a tent just for supplies (which we affectionately referred to as 'Cosco'). The smaller tents, other than the command post and outpatient wound clinic, were primarily for isolation patients. The hospital is situated within the property of the airport. The conditions in Port-au-Prince airfield include very hot days with temps in the high 90's, but cooler in the evenings, with very frequent to continuous loud jet and propeller aircraft noise. The air was very dusty and humid. The dust from the debris and airfield mixed with the damp air and just stuck to you. The best I can describe it , other than my photos*, is that it was like a MASH hospital. The survivors were that of a war zone - none of the basic human needs - no shelter, little food, and ongoing fear.
We worked shifts from sun up to sundown and then some. We slept in the large staff tent on army cots - each cot is side by side with another cot. There were four outdoor showers that were modest and shared by both men and women. Water was not heated, and sometimes not even available. We were restricted to 2 minute showers when water was available. Food consisted of military Meals Ready to Eat, commonly referred to as MRE's. We had plenty of bottled water.
The hospital is extremely busy. I cared for 37 patients with spinal cord injuries and wounds the first day as they were so short of nurses ( and since the spinal cord injured patients also had the most wounds which I was prepared to care for), There were many interpreters to help us stationed through-out the patient care tents. ( patients spoke Creole or French, although I did have 1 or 2 English speaking patients). I also had the privilege of working with U.S. military personnel, including Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines. We were able to work with military from other countries as well. It was common to see many fire arms in the hospital tents. The hospital was under constant guard and surrounded by razor wire with the rest of the airport. The environment outside the camp is not safe and the situation on the ground is fluid. We were able to see some of the devastation, with buildings still leaning, bodies still in the rubble, and aftershocks still occurring to the terror of the residents. When we were lucky, we were able to get to the U.N at the end of the airport. There you could get a safely cooked burger and a cold beer and hang out with the soldiers.
The patients had so many injuries both related to the earthquake and other issues. I can't remember the last time I saw that many patients with external fixation for fractures, negative pressure wound therapy and grossly infected wounds. The hospital was routinely 'sprayed down' for insects and with disinfectant. Patients arrived with families in tow. Numerous children were orphaned and begging us to take them home. A live rescue dog (they have dogs that search for live victims and those that search for the deceased in the rubble) was a part of the camp as he too became injured in the rubble finding victims. While the brave dog was recovering, he helped to keep up the spirits of many of the patients.
The working environment was collaborative and supportive. I met so many individuals from different locations in the states and other countries that will be life long friends. May I also say that not everything was sad, we saw the joy of new life, and found a lovely people that just needed some help. Several patients qualified for treatment in the states. I hope to go back as the recovery will take a very long time. I hope this gives you some insight into my trip. Again, the need is great if anyone is interested in volunteering!