I accompanied a small team of doctors to a hospital in Les Cayes that said they needed help. When we arrived, we were met by absolute choas. The rooms were full; the lobby was full of patients on beds; the doctors were exhausted; the nursing staff had been working round the clock for over a week; there were 50-60 people in tents outside that hadn't even been checked yet - some had been there for over a week awaiting care. The hospital workers literally cheered when we arrived; some even shed tears.
Work began immediately. I worked with another guy, Mitch, to speak to those outside the hospital, make small diagnoses, and determine an order or urgency. Praise the Lord for filling in the gaps of my French speaking ability, More than one Haitian chuckled at my attempts, but they loved the help and we were able to ascertain the problem with all those outside!
From there, urgent surgeries began and ran all day. Some of our doctors operated on one patient after another for hours without a break. At one point, I translated while a young girl had her leg amputated below the knee. It was easily the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. More than that, she has no family remaining - they all perished in the earthquake or in its aftermath. I will never forget that experience.
As the day ended, we were told by the staff that by the time we returned tomorrow, there would be 100-150 new people waiting outside the gates to be checked and treated. According to them, the injuries that have been arriving have gotten worse with each passing day.
Tomorrow appears to be bringing more of the same as we continue to attempt to meet the medical needs of those who have been displaced from Port au Prince.
What's worse than all of this is the emotional hurt that these courageous people are dealing with. Most - if not practically all - have experienced the loss of family. Its heartbreaking to hear their stories. The people need so much more than merely medical attention - they need love and they need in the worst of ways.
Pray for rest and focus. Pray for the doctors to be steady, wise, and prepared for the task at hand. we'll be down in the hospital by about 8:00 tomorrow morning and will work until the sun goes down and we can no longer see.
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