Day 4 – First Day in the Bush

By Adam Sarbin March 11th, 2014

Last night really did turn out to be a great sleeping night….earplugs were a blessing! We awoke with anticipation of our first ride to the bush clinic in Coton, but first we enjoyed a tasty breakfast of french toast and Haitian grits.

Once down the hill to the clinic building we were ‎all divided onto specific motorcycles…The Sons of Anarchy got nothin’ on us. Shortly after, we were on the rode to Bassin Bleu and then into the mountains. The ride was shorter this year…at least for me, since I was not required to get off the moto and run alongside this time. Despite the shorter duration, the distance remains the same and I am again astounded that these people walk so far just for the necessities.

We arrived to a packed house and after a short introduction by the village leader and Christophe, we jumped right in. Patients were evaluated in the same tin roofed hot box of last year‎, but the good news for me anyway was that I got to be a pediatrician for a record 50% of the time.

Clinic lasted longer this year with nearly 90 patients in total and our departure was delayed further by none other than big chief “Black Cloud” and her final patient. You guessed it, Kitty had the sickest patient of the day – a 15 year old with pneumonia and dehydration ‎who nearly passed out when he got up from being seen. After a brief attempt with oral rehydration solution, he was expertly stuck by Sarah and within 30 minutes had received a liter of IV fluids….amazing what a bag of fluids will do for your disposition. He was smiling by the time his IV catheter came out.

We all hiked uphill to the motos and quickly set off for “home”. After a long day in clinic, the dusty  ride home seemed more treacherous but our drivers were never fazed and we made it home safely. Carey, Jenny and Melisa had a long day in Clinic Jolivert as well and once we all finished a late lunch, we plopped in our room and cooled down a bit with a nice cross breeze coming through. The company was great and as the sun began setting the conversation got better and better. The Project Starfish Choir even had a soloist performance for us!!

We all had a great evening sharing each other’s company, sometimes with light and sometimes in the dark….after all it is Haiti. It is still early but the day seems to have sapped us all and tomorrow promises to be another long, warm day in a brand new bush clinic and in Jolivert, so we will be turning in early.

Will write again tomorrow. Love to All,

Adam