Delivering the Lifeboxes |
We hit the ground running and began our first cases in the operating room in Butare. Residents and technicians presented the cases and together we discussed the pros and cons of different induction techniques and resolved very challenging dilemmas as a team regarding difficult intubations with minimal resources. We also introduced the option of sedation and pre-medication before moving patients with fractures to better positions for spinal anesthesia. This worked really well and both cases progressed easily without any concerns.
I also had the privilege of spending time with one of the anesthesia technicians. I asked him why he went into anesthesia as it's an unusual career to be a technician. He told me he was an OR nurse in the district hospital and there was no technician. He was often asked by the surgeon to give ketamine to patients for anesthesia and they received nothing else. He said he wanted to learn more about anesthesia and do things better so he went back to school for three years to become a technician and now works in Butare. Throughout the day I watched him work and was touched by how much care he provided for the patient, taping the eyes delicately protecting the arms and tucking them in and teaching the residents. His story really inspired me.Overall a wonderful visit to Butare and I can't wait to return in two weeks.
Terri
The Butare team at morning report |
Friday morning, we again returned to the Butare teaching hospital where we attended morning report and heard about some of the very challenging cases that they manage here. We then did some teaching with some of the residents and technicians on airway assessment and the difficult airway algorithm, which was well received and I think they learned a lot - it will be interesting to see how it is applied in the clinical setting! Patty and I did another interview for our study which was fantastic - it's really interesting to get the Rwandan perspective on things after interviewing so many North American volunteers who have given us their opinion - many ideas are congruent, but we're really starting to understand the intricacies of how things work here.
Amazing views on the drive to Nyungwe Forest |
We are spending the night at the Gisakura Guest Lodge which is in a perfectly peaceful spot with brilliantly coloured sun birds flitting about among the flowers. It will be the perfect spot for a restful sleep in anticipation of our waterfall hike tomorrow morning :)
Lauren
A beautiful sun bird |
Wish I could join you on the hike...such a beautiful area.I love the walking sticks they provide.
ReplyDeleteGisakura is where Louise got bitten my a monkey who wanted her banana so take care and have a great week end . the break sounds well deserved.
Best to all,
Lynn