Dennis Stempler's Blog
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Dennis Stempler is an American E.R. doctor. Although his international experience is less extensive than many of the others, he has over 20 years experience in the field of emergency medicine and wilderness medicine. He joined AAI in Pakistan 2005 after an email sent by Larry Stock requesting help was forwarded to 3 other people before ending up with him. Reconnecting with his hippie roots, he flew to Pakistan a few days later. He started as the newcomer and ended up as one of the medical directors. Dennis also went to Jogjakarta in 2006 to help with earthquake relief and Philippines in December 2006 with typhoon relief. |
15 December 2006
AAI mobile medical team returned to the IDP camp at San Roque Elementary School to run a medical clinic. The school is now being used as an evacuation site and central point for displaced persons. A clinic was held in the morning to see follow up cases from the previous day as well as new patients.
Of particular concern was a 15month old girl who was initially seen with vomiting and dehydration. The medications given for the night controlled her vomiting, yet she did not tolerate adequate intake of fluids. Although she was stable, we referred her to the regional hospital for fear of further dehydration. The family appeared reluctant to take the child, however after further investigation we found that the family was worries because they did not have the money to take the baby or get treatment. AAI assured the family that arrangements would be made for the child and family. The child was taken to the hospital, received treatment and today is back with her family.
In the courtyard of the school the clinic was composed of four tables, each with a doctor and translator/ registration person; these later were lady health workers or teachers. Each treatment table was stocked with our most commonly used medications and supplies. A central supply table was positioned with additional items and for restocking.
The arrangement worked well and we saw over 80 patients efficiently in only a few hours. The most common complaints were cough, colds and myalgias; most of these required little intervention. Asthmatics have been increasing seen over the past few days. Most were clear on presentation, with only historical reports of intermittent bronchospasm; a few required bronchodilator therapy. Due to our limited supply of MDI inhalers, we did not dispense them. Instead, aerochambers were constructed using empty plastic water bottles attached to the inhalers. All patients responded well.
More frequent complaints of loose bowel movements/ diarrhea were noted, although none fitted the criteria for dysentery. The need for sanitary procedures and clean drinking water were stressed. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) was dispensed to the parents of the smaller children.
Increasing complaints of nonspecific fevers were noted, as were muscle stains. There were vague complaints stomach aches, headaches and insomnia. Many of these were felt to be manifestations of stress and depression, which will probably become increasingly common.
AAI team leaders attended a relief meeting at a regional office with an aim to target primary concerns and better coordinate efforts of NGO's on the ground. At the meeting it became clear that Medical teams are being sent to duplicate spots while other areas remain unseen. While agencies continue to arrive and others dribble out, coordination remains a difficult task.
Dr Dennis Stempler