Medical emergency in Haiti calls for physicians and nurses.
Posted by CEP America on Wed, Jan 20, 2010 @ 02:59 PM
By Joel A. Stettner, MD
As an emergency physician, I've seen a lot of things during my career, but perhaps nothing as heart-rending as the widespread suffering in Haiti. The recent earthquake continues to have a devastating effect on that impoverished country. So many photos and videos show areas that have literally been leveled, and people struggling to find adequate food, water, and shelter. Even the most basic services for treating the injured and supporting other survivors remain inadequate in the face of overwhelming demand.
As of this writing, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. More than 250 personnel are in the process of deploying to Haiti and over 12,000 others could possibly assist in the coming days.
On a positive note, medical personnel from across the country and around the world are traveling to Haiti to provide emergency medical care. These professionals - including emergency physicians and nurses - are treating the injured and will support the public health response on the ground. Additional medical personnel are being deployed to help address the many critical health issues that will be part of the earthquake's aftermath.
As an emergency physician, I'm proud of the efforts that our physician and nursing colleagues across the country are making in response to this disaster. Monetary donations have helped obtain and ship needed supplies; personal commitment has provided staffing for medical teams who are on the ground in field hospitals and mobile clinics. Partners from our group are active participants in this work.
The Haitian tragedy is a reminder of the unpredictable aspect of natural disasters. The immediate and powerful response of so many people from so many countries is testimony supporting the human bonds we all share. Perhaps we can build on these bonds, knowing that another cataclysmic event could strike elsewhere at any time.
I welcome your comments.