Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 16:32:22 +0000
Subject: Haiti Update 2/6/2010
Feb 6, 2010
We are working at Forde Parisian at Love A Child in Haiti. All in tents donated by Taiwan, we have a tent hospital, surgery in 2 tents, intensive care, and approx 50 other tents of patients living together in groups of 3-6 per tent on thin mats on floor and a few cots. Ninety percent are ortho cases and all need PT. We have 40 external fixation fracture, 20 amputations, pelvic fractures, infected wounds and the list goes on. It’s challenging getting people off the floor to stand with 1 arm casted and external fixators on 1 or 2 legs plus the fact that they haven’t gotten up since the quake. My 2 other PTs-Kerstin and Tiffany plus Victor and Ashley are the only people assisting with physical therapy at this time.We are part of a multidisiplanary team here. We made rounds today to make sure that we saw all that needed PT and Dr after Dr said—-We need you for ALL of them.
The doctors and staff are delighted we are here for most had not gotten up since the earthquake. PTs are in high demand and will be for the months to come. When we first arrived, all patients were sweltering in their tents and not a lot of smiles. We all noticed that once we started showing the patients and the family members that they really could move their arms and legs plus walk or hop, the whole camp/ hospital was happier. When we worked today, we noticed several people out of the tents and sitting in folding chairs in the shade. They have huge smiles and the laughter is coming back. The staff has noticed the change and for us, it’s been no surprise but it’s still awesome non the less. Everyday will be a better day as we move patients from total care to independence. Victor has been busy cutting down adult cruches and drilling holes for all the children. Tiffany is a peds therapist so we send all the kids to her. Victor has been a huge help in lifting and walking the bigger amputations. Ashley just will do anything required and she works tirelessly. Kerstin is a no nonsense, organized and efficient woman. Anyone we can’t get to move, we just send to Kerstin. Kerstin also brought everything we could possibly need and set up our tree outside our tent with gloves, hand sanitized and more with bungi cords.
We are so dusty at the end of the day that we are look like we have walked through a dust storm. As a group, these people will always be in my heart for each one has just been terrific.We have people discharged when stable to the refugee camp and new ones helicoptered in, or on buses, from trucks and cars daily. Tonight we had 3 ministers bring in a man that was hit by a car and left at the side of the road.There is just so much to tell–incredible moments, heart wrenching moments, and so much more but I have to write this iPhone and I’m tired so I apologize for spelling errors.
It takes us all day and more to see all the patients plus I have had a lot of meetings. There are about 5 countries here and man — they are ALL just awesome. We all manage to communicate with each other.
I am now involved in planning of training some Haitians to handle the patients when there are lapses of no PTs (Physical Therapists) here, helping with planning of the rehab centers that will be built at Love A Child and at IMA. Working with ITT to track amputations and the needs. The amputation numbers will be unpresidented due to the numerous crushing injuries.
We are aware of the political situation and the growing Haitian discord with the US government but that’s another story
. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else–Haiti is gorgeous with the mountains, bright stars, even saw mercury tonight, great big lake. We are treating in primitive conditions, but we all are very respectful of patients rights, and feelings. The docs are very thorough and really engage the patient.
All are providing the absolutely best quality care that we can and the patient is number 1 every sec of everyday.We keep an eye out for children snatchers for that had been a problem. All the unaccompanied minors have been moved to the front tents because of child trafficking and snatching.I’m just thankful that I have seen NO spiders. Everything else is just a piece of cake:)
I’ll leave you with this–I saw a 71 year old woman with a fractured femur with and external fixator and a fractured humerous casted.
She is just such a fighter.
She did everything we asked for she hadn’t even sat up until today. Her fixators is way too big reaching past her knee. We slowly brought her into a sitting position then fireman carried her to the chair.
She started screaming a bunch of words like a song but sounded angry.
I asked the interpretor what was wrong and he said she was just shouting/singing praises to Jesus that she was getting up.
Got her in the chair and then we danced to her song and the child lying next to her in a spica cast laughed.
Awesome is all I can say and just how lucky am I….
Nancy Malone Hands of Light in Action President/Founder
PS. I will no longer be emailing everyone with blogs for it’s just too difficult and time consuming. If you would like to follow our adventure,
PLEASE DONATE HERE!
EFTWest.com
UPDATE 12 FEBRUARY 2010
I have been asked the last couple of days to send out a quick message that we are all back safe and sound. We totally ROCKED the camp with our presence and hard work. After we began to get patients moving, everyone noticed the change in the camp not only physical but the mental change as well. Amazing and fulfilling trip!!!!!
Calling ALL Physical Therapists---In the NOW and in the FUTURE, the greatest need will be physical therapy. At present time, physical therapists in Haiti are a scarce commodity. Hands of Light in Action is more then willing to place you with a group and we have several groups that are asking for Physical Therapists. IMA and Love A Child has asked HOLIA to arrange groups to come down. The need is great. If Physical Therapists don't volunteer and help these people, not only will these people have lost their homes, their , and their family members, but will be a nation of vast disabilities that could have been prevented by mass physical therapy volunteering. Without physical therapy, the ORIFs, external fixation and amputations will be contracted for these people do not know what to do and so they lay day after day afraid to move. Everyone is on blood thinners and blood clots are prevalent. PLEASE PLEASE--distribute this email, post it in hospitals, physical therapy, out patient clinics and medical places. If you are a patient seeing a physical therapist, bring this email in to them. We can use physical therapists, occupational therapists, PTAs, and PT students. The experience will be one of a lifetime.
I will write about our trip this weekend and get it out. I thank all of you that have helped with our trip and have contributed. 100 percent of the donations go to helping the people of Haiti.
Be the Change in this World--
There is enough....When we SHARE,
Nancy Malone, PT
Hands of Light in Action
Founder/President
River,
Thank you so much for spreading the word of help for Haiti. You are one of a kind:)
Big Hugs,
Nancy Malone
Hands of Light in Action
Founder/President