Day 4: Rural Clinic

As a full team, we made our way to the outskirts of Port Au Prince to set up a clinic for a small village.

Description: We set up our clinic in three small school houses out in an open field. Outside schoolhouse number one was our registration booth. Here, we wrote down names and took vital signs (height, weight, temperature, and blood pressure) of each individual. After registration was completed the patient would then be seen by one of our three nurses. The nurses would do a general assessment, working side by side with their interpreters. If the patient was in need of further examination they would then be sent to one of our NP's for an extensive examination. If the patient was primarily healthy they would be sent straight to our pharmacy for things like vitamins, hygiene kits, or over-the-counter medicines if needed.

Our Clinic

Waiting Area

Pharmacy

Eye Glass Station

Our Team In Action

Reflection: This was our first day we were all together as a team. The extra hands were definitely needed on this extremely hot day. The heat took a toll on us from time to time but we managed to work together, giving one another breaks to stay hydrated. We had an extremely successful day. We were able to treat the entire village. Over 170 individuals, what a feeling!
       In our assessments we found a number of reoccurring skin disorders. There were many individuals with open sores that needed to be addressed. We did our best to diagnose, treat, and provide antibiotics and topical ointments to help with these. The nurses also spent a significant amount of time educating on safe sex practices and going over proper personal hygiene.


Some of the unforgettable faces of the day

Updates!

Hello all!
        After a long few days of traveling we managed to make it home safely. We had a lot of trouble with the internet not working and a few days of traveling which made it really hard to keep the blog up to date. I will do my best to show you all how the remainder of our trip went over the next couple of days. Our trip to Haiti is one we will never forget. Thank you all for following and for all your support!
     
  -#teamhaitiansensation

Things we are learning..

We have been in Haiti a few days now and we have noticed that some things are just done a little differently here...


1. Even though there are 2 lane roads, it is acceptable to have 2-4 cars driving simultaneously while going any direction. Idahoans, our driving skills would never hold up here.

2. Goats, cows, dogs roam freely... even in the city.

3. Car horns are always honking. Horns are not used in the same way we use them for. They are used to inform pedestrians, motorcyclists, and those alike that they are close and to get out of the way please.

4. You are not to drive slow. You will get passed on the left and on the right. Sometimes, at the same time.

5. Motorcycles rule the road. They weave in and out of traffic at all times. 100% acceptable. Their may be anywhere from 1-4 people at a time on a motorcycle.

6. The roads are heavily congested. However, traffic rarely comes to a stop.

8. Haitian's dress to impress. We could take take note on their insistence on looking presentable at all times.

9. Blinkers are not used here.

10. Common transportation here is  called a (Tap Tap). This resembles a cab, sort of. Most of them are older pick ups with a shell or a van. You run and jump on them to get a ride and you (Tap Tap) when you are ready to get off. We are still trying to figure out how one is supposed to know where they are going.

11. You can ride in, around, or on top of any vehicle.

12. Anywhere can be a market

The list could go on and on..

* here is a video of the Tap Taps

Day 3: Second Orphanage

Orphanage #2: 50-60 children

Description: Orphanage for children who were left alone after the earthquake.This orphanage differed from the first one we visited. The kids here were primarily healthy individuals or had no major disabilities.

Team 1

• Patrick
• Lindsey
• Cassie
• Lindsay
• Melanie
• Jessica
• Jordan

Reflection: This day was filled with nothing but smiles. We danced, we played, and shared countless giggles. We passed out toys and candy. The children loved wearing our sunglasses and hats and it was all over when they figured out how to use the camera on our phones. We all ended up with a number of surprise pictures to go through at the end of our day. They were truly too cute to handle.

   As a team, we completed over 50 exams on the children and their staff. We also toured their orphanage, assed their needs and handed out supplies and donations. Once again, we were in awe at the care that was provided for these children. Not only were the kids clean and healthy but they were also extremely well mannered and educated. Many of them are currently in the process of learning how to speak english. There was a 15 year old  boy that had taught himself how to speak english in only a few short years by listening to American broadcast and by studying his textbooks. He simply blew us away. His english was nearly as good as ours!
 This orphanage may not have had a lot space, but they were nothing but loved and cared for. It shows in their smiles, their laughs, and in their ability to embrace us with open arms. A lot of hearts were melted on this day.

Here are some images of our favorite moments spent at the orphanage!

Dining Room

Classroom

Patrick handing out toys

Dance Party

Play time

Couldn't be happier

Learning how to hand wash clothes