The earthquake on 12 January triggered a crisis in Haiti’s healthcare system. In a disaster of this nature and scale, the risk of survivors dying remains high as their wounds and injuries go untreated. In response, the Norwegian and Canadian Red Cross Societies have set up a Rapid Deployment Emergency Hospital – in support of the Haitian university hospital – to provide emergency surgery, beds, lights, autoclaves, generators and ward tents.
One person to benefit from this partnership is Marie-Solange Falaise. The mother of five recounts: “A wall fell on me as I was running outside during the earthquake.” She first sought medical assistance from MINUSTAH medics – from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti – who were stationed along the Route des Frères. But her wounds were too severe and follow-up care was needed, so she went to the Haitian National Red Cross Society at Croix des Bouquets. From there, she was referred to the Red Cross hospital.
Her daughter, Mona Jean-Baptiste, stayed with her mother as she lay on a stretcher awaiting medical care. Mona, herself, was fortunate to escape with no external injuries. When asked if worried about her mother, she responded with a smile, “No. I’m not worried. She will heal. She’s a strong woman.”
Magen David Adom paramedic, Ilan Klein, came into the tent with local volunteers to take Marie-Solange to the operating theatre. Her left leg was badly fractured and needed immediate attention. About 45 minutes later, she was brought out of the operating theatre with a fresh cast on her leg. Still under anaesthetic, Marie-Solange was not able to speak, but her daughter thanked the medical team.
The earthquake has placed a huge strain on the university hospital. Patients and medical personnel evacuated the building, and they are now hesitant to return.
“Seven buildings that were possible to use have now been evacuated. Some buildings are still being used as warehouses, but all the wards have been evacuated. Engineers have checked the buildings, but no one wants to move back inside,” explains Hossam Elsharkawi, a member of the Red Cross medical team.
Psychosocial first aid is also being offered to both patients and personnel to help deal with the trauma. Vanessa Pierre-Louis, a volunteer with the Haitian National Red Cross Society, is trained in psychosocial support. She says, “There are many people injured physically, but many more need psychological support to keep positive. It is hard, but life will go on. We have to believe that.”
Author: Gennike Mayers , IFRC, Caribbean Office
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| Israeli and Canadian paramedics make sure their patient rests comfortably after getting her leg in a cast. |
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| Imagen David Adom paramedics Ilan Klein (left) and Asaf Chen (right) dicuss Marie-Solange Falaise’ case. |
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| Smiles from the medical team are an all-important form of assurance at the Norwegian field hospital. |
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| One of the damaged buildings at the University hospital is now surrounded by medical supplies. |
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