When Disaster Strikes

     Worldwide disasters have not been in short supply in the past few years, but none has grabbed our attention more than the recent earthquake in Haiti. As you know from the news reports, the entire country has been devastated. Many people were killed in the initial event and many others have perished in the aftermath. Lack of food, water, and other basic needs is pervasive. Countries from around the world have mobilized to provide what help they can, but even with the help of the world, many are still without the basic necessities and are unable to get basic medical care for the multitude of wounds that have resulted. The stories of people with compound fractures still open after a week and other untended, devastating wounds tug at the heartstrings of everyone. The foremost question is: How can we help? Unfortunately, the answer is not as easy as one might presume. We, as AAWC members, are honored to have had one of our own, Dr. John Macdonald, on site in Haiti. Dr. Macdonald has been organizing and providing wound care for those who so desperately need it. I am told that with the cooperation of the University of Miami, Dr. Macdonald was able to establish the first “wound center” in the middle of a disaster area. He has served the people there for the better part of 3 weeks.      I had the honor of meeting an emergency room physician from South Carolina who was able to work at King’s Hospital in Haiti for a week. Despite inadequate facilities, equipment, and support, he was able to provide help, hope, and comfort to many patients there. He shared a heart-stirring story of treating the wounds of two young men who had lost their parents. He realized after he had helped them that they were not leaving and discovered that they had not eaten anything for 9 days! He helped them with what he could but felt it was so inadequate since they had to go back to the streets with no assurance of further help. Apparently, this is not the exception but the normal situation.      Of course, we all want to help. There are opportunities to volunteer and go to Haiti with numerous organizations. AAWC members can apply through the University of Miami to serve. I would remind everyone that while our hearts may be in the right place, serving in a disaster area with few resources might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I am not trying to insult anyone, but not everyone is on equal footing when circumstances are not the best. I have heard of volunteer surgeons in Haiti who could not set up their own operating rooms and had to wait until a nurse could be found to do it for them. Similar tales of not being able to work without the type of equipment one has “at home” are common. As a volunteer you might have to provide care with little more than your hands and brain! If you cannot manage under those circumstances, you will be part of the problem and not part of the solution. In those cases, just donate your money. All of us can help in some way. Decide what will be the best for you, and then do it. This will be an ongoing project for months to come. This isn’t a decision that needs to be made right now.      E-mail me at woundseditor@hmpcommunications.com if you have any questions, and I shall get the information to you. Your chance to share your knowledge, concern, and care will change your life as well as the lives of those you help.