Since the last update, much has happened. It seems that finally, the log jam is loosening. We have received numerous reports that orthopaedic aid organizations are on their way to Haiti, and some—such as Operation Walk/Haiti, SIGN, CURE International, and many academic institutions—are already on the ground. The AAOS is continuing to work with other orthopaedic organizations, the State Department, and other government entities to ensure that orthopaedic surgeons and medical equipment are rapidly deployed.
The scene in Haiti, however, remains chaotic, as we can tell from various news reports, and from communications with AAOS members who are there. With such widespread destruction, it is not only the needs of the injured that must be addressed, but also the need for feeding and housing the many volunteer rescue workers. Careful planning and coordination are needed to address issues resulting from the lack of an organized, functioning infrastructure in Haiti. We wish to minimize waste and ensure that your skills as orthopaedic surgeons are optimized in the operating room, not spent in debris removal.
AAOS members have been instrumental in facilitating the movement of medical equipment and healthcare personnel to Haiti. Carlos Lavernia, MD, has access to a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Miami, where equipment can be sent and held until arrangements for shipping it into Haiti can be made. Groups that have or are in the process of making arrangements to go to Haiti can also use the warehouse as a holding space. Dr. Lavernia is also establishing a list of who needs equipment and where it is most needed so that delivery arrangements can be made. He may also be able to assist in arranging transport to Haiti. Shipping information follows:
Operation Walk Haiti
Orthopedics Inc.
2860 W. State Rd 84, Suite 113
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
If you are part of a group planning to go to Haiti, please forward contact information to Lynne Dowling, director of the AAOS International Department, using our dedicated e-mail (Haiti@aaos.org). The International Department is tracking participation by AAOS members and coordinating efforts to match people and resources. If you’ve already registered with the AAOS as a volunteer, you should be aware that we have submitted your contact information to a variety of aid groups. They will contact you directly as openings occur.
Specific needs that we have been made aware of include the following:
Personnel
o Trauma surgeons, pediatric orthopaedists, nurses, and others who are experienced and capable of treating crush injuries and are willing to commit to spending at least 2 weeks on the ground, living in austere conditions
o French or Creole speakers
Equipment
o Gigli saws or power saws
o Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressings
o Tourniquets/inflatable blood pressure cuffs with valve releases
o Antibiotics—all types, as much as possible (will take antibiotics that have passed their expiration dates)
o Anesthesia machines
o Endotracheal tubes or laryngeal mask airways (LMAs)
o Lavage irrigation equipment
o Small fluoroscopy machines
o Electrocautery machines (for amputations)
o Amputation kits
o External fixators, nails, and plates (okay if used, as long as they are clean)
We are working with our industry partners to make arrangements for ensuring that orthopaedic equipment reaches the devastated areas. We have also begun to compile a list of U.S. hospitals that are willing to take Haitian patients and provide direct care assistance. If your hospital is willing to support this effort, please forward the following information to Haiti@aaos.org :
o Name of hospital
o Number of patients you can accept
o Pediatric or other specialty patients you will accept
o Availability of housing for family members
Thank you all for your outpouring of support. We realize that the first few days after such as a disaster are critical, but the devastation in Haiti will have a long-term impact on the delivery of health care there, and the need for orthopaedic services will continue over several months.
We will continue to keep you updated as we receive information. We urge you to visit www.aaos.org/Haiti regularly for the latest information.
Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD- AAOS President
John Callaghan, MD- First Vice President
Daniel J. Berry, MD- Second Vice President
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