The Deep End…

By Adam Sarbin February 5th, 2020

The team again had generator and fans all night and temperatures remain very tolerable so far! We awoke to a hearty breakfast of Haitian oatmeal and boiled eggs…and we would need it, as we were headed back to Bwa Bouton today…The Deep End!

We were as ready as we would ever be and loaded the truck and a motorcycle to speed across the island to our waiting clients. We were not surprised or disappointed…the church was full when we arrived. We quickly set about arranging clinic stations, a registration station, medical records and a nurse vitals station and before we knew it, clinic had begun.

With only 3 stations and the team efficiently divided, we distributed 130 tickets, and after an uninterrupted 6 hours, we had served 140 patients. The team acquitted itself very nicely for the first day! Unfortunately some were turned away to return later in the week, which is never our intent, but I think we gave it all we had and most left very satisfied.

I think Kitty may have some competition for minor surgical procedures…Neal, the pediatric surgeon was in his element! In addition to treating dozens of all-comers with grace, he had an infant with a scalp laceration to suture, a young man with an embedded fish hook to remove and a child with a smashed thumb and an avulsed nail. Anna tackled many a diagnostic dilemma before the clinic day ended. Jason and Seth doggedly handled the crush at check-in and Deann, Megan and Pam were tireless in their support of the providers. This is an A Team and Chelsea and I are so priveleged to be along for their first ride together!!

Once the last patient was treated, the clinic was packed, the church restored to it’s original state and the team set off for “home”. Lunch was served at 4 and some of us quickly headed back to the clinic to enjoy the cool breeze and a beautiful sunset. I absolutely love this place!! I believe I have found my new happy place on the planet…that’s right…This Roof!!

As the sun sets and darkness approaches, we have been told dinner will be served in just a half hour, so we will need to return. After dinner we will have our after dinner work to prep for tomorrow’s clinic in Madame Bernard, which will certainly prove to be rather busy as well. Today’s clinic had great breeze and despite the volume, did not seem oppressive. Considering the location, we will not be so lucky tomorrow…but we can hope for the best.

Will let you know how it goes with tommorrow evening’s post…again from the roof! Gotta run now…stay tuned.

Love to All,

The Team