A Day in the ER

July 18, 2012

So today I was in the ER again today, and had a very busy day.  We had our normal influx of malaria patients – send them to the lab for a definite diagnosis and give them a prescription and off they go, unless it’s really serious.  I’ve been learning so much, especially in the ER because they have me doing screening, histories, admissions, diagnoses, and prescriptions.  All on unfamiliar illnesses with people who have major trouble understanding my accent!  Talk about a fast learning curve!  One of the physician’s aides has been particularly helpful to my learning by explaining everything to me.  Today however, was a particularly exciting day in the ER.  There was a motorbike accident today, and we received four wounded men who promptly bled all over our floor.  One had a broken foot and a large head wound, while the others got away with shock, vomit, sutures and minor wounds.  I think one walked out of the ER with an undiagnosed broken foot [his foot looked like yours Mom], but who knows.  I’ve noticed this before, but it was particularly apparent today that they don’t really use analgesia here.  People are very vocal about even minor pain, but when it comes down to it these patients are going through a lot of painful procedures without anything for pain control.  Tylenol and ASA are the only things being prescribed, and Lidocaine is used sometimes with suturing.  Other than that, grit your teeth and deal with the pain.  I found it very interesting and good experience, but it was also quite sobering.  I will be very careful on motorbikes from now on.

Speaking of which, I have some very exciting news.  I have learned how to drive motorbike!  I had my first lesson yesterday, and practiced again today shifting into higher gears.  I’ve been deemed competent, although I haven’t ventured to the roads yet so that’ll be my test.  It’s very safe too – the guy who’s been teaching me is a doctor, so I’m set for life!  :)  [joking!]  That’s true, but I am also being very careful, no worries!  

So yeah, in summary I'm really loving Liberia.