"In Haiti, the earthquake of Jan. 12, 2010, was a landmark disaster—on par with events such as Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami a few years ago. In addition to the magnitude of this quake, it struck a country with the lowest standard of living in the western hemisphere and hit an area containing one-third of the country’s population. Conservative estimates place deaths at 200,000; serious injuries, including amputations, at 300,000; and lost or severely damaged homes at over 1 million.
"The tragedy brought thousands of people into Haiti to provide aid. Some were part of coordinated self-contained teams such as the US Army, Navy, and Air Force. Others, however, were well-meaning individuals whose presence sometimes contributed to the chaos due to the total loss of infrastructure, leaving some volunteers dependent on relief intended for quake victims.
"Traumatic amputations and amputations necessitated by crush injuries have left thousands without arms or legs. Those whose homes were destroyed or damaged now live in flimsy, poorly made tents clumped together in sprawling open areas where sanitation and basic hygiene are minimal to non-existent. Young women, denied any modicum of privacy, are frequent targets of sexual predators.
"In mid-February, about one month after the quake, I returned again to Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) where I have served on a very regular basis as a volunteer surgeon since 1968. The hospital capacity of about 150 was stretched to over 600 within two weeks after Jan. 12. Due to its location, about 50 miles north of the quake center, it sustained minimal damage but was, for a time, the only place available with functioning surgical facilities.
"By the time I arrived, the hospital census was nearly down to normal but there were a large number of patients with open, infected wounds which required debridement and skin grafts. There were also many sources of encouragement. Children, despite horrible injuries, were smiling and waving to us. A nearby small village, previously used for tuberculosis patients, was now housing earthquake victims, many of whom were amputees. They were living together and actually doing physical therapy exercises for each other. While I was at HAS, I witnessed the transformation of an unused hospital building into a prosthetic factory by Hanger Orthopedics from Atlanta, Ga. That company brought 15,000 pounds of equipment and supplies. More importantly, they have made a long-term commitment to keep staff at HAS until local Haitian workers can be trained to make, repair, and adjust artificial limbs.
"The major current problems for the Haitian people, over and above physical recovery, is now lack of housing, chronic economic issues, lack of jobs, ongoing political instability, and rapidly rising rates of infectious diseases in the overcrowded tent cities. My next trip will most likely be with a group working to rebuild damaged homes, establish better temporary shelters, or construct new housing."
John P. Judson, MD
To donate to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, which operates largely on contributions, visit the hospital’s website. Follow this link to learn about other ways you can help.