Sunny Sudan!
Trip Start
Unknown
1
4
17
Trip End
Ongoing
Juba, Central Equatoria, Sudan
Friday, November 6, 2009
A construction worker has fallen from scaffolding from a height of 6ft. He fell onto his right side and is complaining of a lot of pain along this side of his chest and abdomen.
So, off we go! Again, I request the help of another doctor…after the other night I don't want to take any chances.
I am particularly excited to be going to Southern Sudan. I am living with two Sudanese at the guest house, who have been trying to educate my ignorance. They tell me that the north and the south have been brutally fighting for decades. The south has a lot of resources, particularly oil, and they do not want leadership from the north. After 9 million had been killed, a peace agreement a few years ago has been signed.
Because of this prolonged period of war, the country is far behind, in health care, infrastructure and education.
So, off we go! I ran from the library – and almost missed the flight! Of course! But I didn’t have time to grab my camera…..Gutted! I have my textbook – so I am happy! Geek!
We arrive. It is like stepping out into a steamroom! The patient is in an ambulance waiting for us at the aiport. He has been with a South African doctor, who was in the area recovering from malaria! She is true South African style has done an amazing job immobilizing the patient using people’s clothes, holding his pelvis together – and keeping his neck stable.
We examine him and think he might have blood +/- air in his lungs. He needs a chest drain. Oh god!
We get him into the plane, using 10 strong men and start getting set up for the procedure! I am now really cursing that I don’t have my camera!!
Our delicate drains back home are no use for this kind of thing – we need the real deal! This massive trochar comes out and I take a swallow! I am going to do it!
Our sterile field is the wrapper of the gloves! Our light is from a head torch and off we go! Luckily the patient didn’t speak English, so didn’t realize I was getting step by step instructions!
It was all good – but now we were getting into trouble from the airport. It was supposed to close half an hour ago – and they are not happy! If we don’t leave now we will not be allowed to leave until the morning!! So we’re off!!
The flight went well. Thank goodness! We drop him off at a large private hospital in the city. It is really plush – and we are pleased to hand him over! I promise to take my camera to every other flight!
Hope you are well!
Speak to you soon x
