|
|
| Haiti - 'It's a nightmare' |
| By iol.co.za |
| Published: 01/22/2010 |
|
Port-au-Prince - South African medics trying to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians are performing emergency surgery - including amputations with little or no medication - on patios and kitchen tables under partially collapsed roofs, surrounded by decomposing bodies. Injuries now include gunshot wounds and severe assault injuries inflicted by armed gangs roaming the capital's streets with guns, pangas, knives and axes. "It's chaos out there and it's only getting worse," said Gift of the Givers Team One leader, Ahmed Bham. "It's the worst kind of nightmare. We have virtually nothing and are having to perform miracles to save the lives of those who have horrific injuries." Apocalyptic scenes greet the doctors in their makeshift hospital in the courtyard of a former eye clinic which they share with Cuban and Mexican doctors. Such medication as is available is being reserved for the most critically-injured survivors. Doctors provide mild painkillers such as panado for post-operative treatment to amputees where they can. Bham is one of 16 South African doctors and nurses who have spent the past six days frantically trying to keep the makeshift hospital operative. Speaking yesterday moments after an aftershock measuring 4.9 struck, he said: "We have very limited resources and this along with the lack of support from the South African government in getting the necessary medical resources to us, and the grave security situation, is making our job nearly impossible." Read More. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think