1/21/10 - Krista's Update

Per phone conversation with Krista Dopf - 1/21/10

Dr. Dopf’s OR started as an empty classroom. They are using desks at the OR table and have some shelves for supplies. He walked the people working with him through all the instruments, so they knew what things were. There is no anesthesiologist. Patient’s are sedated with whatever meds they have. No intubation. No pulse ox, EKG or any other monitoring device. There is no cautery, so every bleeder is clamped and tied. He is using a hacksaw for amputations, cleaning off instruments with bleach between cases. No suction. The weather is in the 90’s and humid. They try and keep the flies off the surgical site.

Post-op, they have some pain meds, but as their supply is so limited, they give the patients Tylenol unless they ask for something stronger.

They keep accepting patients until 4 to 5 pm, as they have to stop working at dusk. He said every night, out in the tent city, a man preaches to everyone in Creole, and then everyone sings. He has no idea what they’re saying, but finds it moving.

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January 21, 2010 - Into the Groove

1/21/10
Falling into the groove. Working out some bugs with running and staffing the new operating room I set up. BKA and AEA and some smaller stuff today.

Probably 10 aftershocks since yesterday morning’s quake. Sleeping in a 2 man tent w/ a barbed wire fence between me and the displaced homeless. Roosters & hammering of shanty makers wakes me every morning. I wish I could have gotten here sooner than I did. Please say hi to everyone.

Very hard to communicate so please forgive me if you don't hear from me daily.

Craig


Visit http://facebook.com/meriter to see more photos and updates. Visit http://meriter.com to learn more about Meriter.

Dr. Dopf leaves for Haiti

The heart wrenching news out of Haiti continues to fill newscasts. Last week we encouraged everyone to support the relief efforts by making donations to the American Red Cross.

Craig Dopf, MD, one of Meriter's orthopedic surgeons, had considered medical mission work in the past and this time felt he could no longer just watch. Assisted by his wife, Krista, he began searching online, on the phone and through friends to find the best and quickest way to personally assist the relief effort.

Dr. Dopf ultimately connected with World Wide Village and Family Health Ministries.
After a series of false starts, he traveled to Haiti with 165 pounds of medical supplies and medications donated by Meriter Hospital.

Tuesday Krista received this message from her husband: “Private jet to Jacmel 7am, then airplane to highway landing or helicopter to Leogane. Staying at FSIL nursing school in Leogane. High Security" + "I love you".

At this time Dr. Dopf return plans are indefinite, in large part because there are no commercial flights. Krista is sure he will make a difference in the lives of many Haitians, just as he has already done for patients here in Madison. “I can't imagine the things he will see and do while there.”

Continue to watch Meriter's Facebook page for updates.