Just got a computer with very low battery so i will blog briefly. Landed safely on mon. in a very chaotic haitian airport which i have heard is the norm. Staying a Mission Riscate on the grounds of the haiti police compound across from presidential palace. Destruction is unbelievable. Travel yesterday to Pattionville rural clinic setup in a abandoned school 30km or so outside of haiti. Saw about 550 patients there. Lots of scabies, tinea, and anxiety from earthquake. Everyone everywhere suffering from dehydration. Some severe needing IV some just needing water. The team is splitting everyday with half going to rural, half staying at Mission Riscate, and a few going to the hospitals.
Today I was at Mission Riscate. Learned quickly that here in haiti I am acting as a doctor. Saw my own patients all days treating a few wound care and lots of respiratory problems. The dust here from the rubble is really bad. Lots of vaginitis from poor hygiene. Scabies again. The people here are very happy to be seen by medical staff. The anxiety from the earthquake seems to be calmed some just by knowing that some is helping them. Lots of people, nearly everyone, has no home just tents if they are lucky. They pulled 10 or so bodies out of the building next to us yesterday and burned them. Human bones have shown up around our compund from animals digging them out of rubble. The haitian people are amazing people. So friendly, so gracious, and so well spirited. I fear though that these conditions can break down the best of people. Will try to blog more tomorrow.
Bert
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WOW! I cannot imagine what it must be like.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are so great with the patients and they are fortunate to have you and the team there.
Stay positive and know you are making a difference.