Patients recover at the field hospital in Fond Parisien

Update: Monday, January 25, 2010

The American Refugee Committee medical team began arriving in Haiti over the weekend. They immediately got to work, helping care for over 150 patients at a makeshift field hospital. It is being run out of an orphanage called Love the Child in Fond Parisien, near the Dominican Republic border.

The doctor in charge of patient care had been working 24/7 since the earthquake. Our doctors were able to relieve him so he could get some much-needed rest.

They are providing crucial follow-up care for people who have had amputations and other operations. This is essential for preventing infection. With so many people in need of immediate medical attention, it’s been hard for doctors to keep up with post-operative patients. Now, people in need of follow-up care are being sent to Fond Parisien from Port-au-Prince and other areas.

Each patient has up to four family members with them. Yesterday, our relief team distributed hygiene kits, which included a bucket for washing, soap, toothpaste, feminine pads, diapers, and toothbrushes.

We are also building a temporary settlement on the orphanage’s grounds, setting up tents and digging latrines. These people’s homes have all been destroyed and they have nowhere else to go.

If you have any questions about the Haiti response effort, you can always contact us directly. The easiest way is to email info@archq.org.

Previous Updates:
January 23, 2010: Food distribution in Delmas
January 21, 2010: Delivery of supplies
January 20, 2010: Aftershocks and relief
January 19, 2010: Programs in Port-au-Prince and Jimani