Helping Hands in Haiti

Radiology field mobilizes to offer support

Although it’s been almost three weeks since an earthquake devastated Haiti, the pictures, reports, and video coming in from the country are still incredibly surreal. Seeing images of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, it’s hard to believe it was once a bustling locale, teeming with activity.

Churches, elementary schools, stores, banks, universities, government buildings, and hospitals are all gone, reduced to rubble in the wake of a magnitude 7 quake. Out of a population of approximately 9 million, estimates say 150,000 are dead and 700,000 have suffered traumatic injuries. 

Basically, the country has to start over. It’s no surprise that clinicians in radiology fields want to provide medical care in any way possible. In the aftermath, most emergency aid organizations sent teams that had experience managing international emergency operations, and the U.S. government sent volunteers trained through its Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT).

“We know that several radiologic technologists who volunteer for DMAT are already on the ground in Haiti, assisting with medical needs,” says Sal Martino, EdD, RT(R), FASRT, CAE, chief executive officer for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The ASRT donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund for relief efforts in Haiti.

Initial medical efforts during the rescue process focused on trauma cases and triaging the injured. The suffering is not over. Now, people are at risk for infections from open wounds. Since water is in short supply, diarrheal disease and dehydration can cause major problems with young children and the elderly. Make-shift hospitals and mobile medical clinics need drugs and equipment. Thankfully, companies are graciously trying to fill the void. 

As the new editor of rt image, I’m proud to be covering a field with clinicians and manufacturers that mobilize so quickly and are anxious to provide help and comfort when a tragedy strikes.

Carestream Health Inc. (Rochester, N.Y.) sent X-ray film, chemistry, and cassettes to a hospital in Port-au-Prince. Jack Williams, a service engineer, landed in Haiti last week with the company’s mobile X-ray device, a battery operated unit that provides instant digital images. The Larchmont Imaging Center in N.J. was part of a team scheduled to leave for Haiti. 

Siemens Healthcare donated hand-held, battery-powered ultrasound systems that are designed for triage and emergency situations. The company also donated blood gas analyzers, as well as urinalysis strips to help determine kidney and liver function, and urinary tract infections.

Philips Healthcare donated medical equipment and supplies to be used by a team of 12 clinicians from Caritas Christi Health Care (Boston) that was headed to Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot, Haiti, just north of Port-au-Prince. Contributions from Phillips included fetal monitors, cardiographs (EKGs), defibrillators, ventilators, ECG cables and electrodes, sensors, blood pressure cuffs, solar lights, and baby care products.

With this type of heartfelt generosity, the people of Haiti will benefit at a time when they need it most.