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MyFAPA PA Links Search FAPA Online Moving to Florida? Important Info!Quick Links Link to Members' sites Student Stuff FAQs Order Prescriptive Practice Video Online Order CME Presentation PA licensing Current News CME Opportunities	Haiti Relief Updates Provided by Michael Funk PA-C, MPH The following updates (in reverse chronological order) are provided by Past President and LGA Chair Mike Funk, consisting of correspondence directly from Florida Physician Assistants who are now on the ground in Haiti helping with relief efforts, by other PAs who are going to Haiti or by other PAs who have disaster relief experience. What is being experienced by those that are in Haiti following the earthquake is unlike anything these folks has ever been a part of. Hopefully their experiences will help all of us grasp the gravity of this historic situation as well as help us recognize the heroism in some of our colleagues. -Eric Smith (FAPA Webmaster) __________________________________________ March 9, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Here is an update from Linda Criswell, PA-C who is in Haiti now: ---------------------------- YVonne, Thanks for all your help in getting us here. It's a good situation. We, along with many others, are camped out on the school grounds. We get 3 meals a day and there are tarps set up for showers. We are doing good. The bathrooms are ok too. So far, most of the places we've gone have their own supply of meds, but we'll see. They send us somewhere different everyday. so far, no mosquitoes. So this info might help you advise those who are coming next. Linda --------------------------- Below are more updates from other providers who just returned. Please see the attached picture. It will give you an idea of the primitive conditions. Notice their sleeping cots on the dirt floor and mosquito netting. If you go, take netting with you! It's much better than it was for the first volunteers, but it's still pretty rough! You have to love camping out! I will send more updates as I receive them. The need for volunteers is still great and there is more need for non-surgical PAs who can treat medical problems. If you can spare a week, please consider volunteering. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH Click to view full image. -------------------------- Hi Lunie, During the recent mission trip to Haiti I was very fortunate to be coupled with some extraordinary health care providers and ancillary personnel. As an ID physician I was able to assist with Infectious Disease associated matters such as drug substitutions as formularies were limited, alternate treatments for potential rabies and tetanus exposure issues in adults and children. FUOs and diagnosis and treatment of diseases such malaria, tuberculosis, pneumococcus, HIV, likely typhoid, and drug reactions to name a few. Most of the day I attended to multiple patients on the medicine ward with various needs ranging from the ongoing treatment of malnutrition , dehydration, infection, amputation site wound care, pain control, CHF, liver failure, depression, psychoses , meningitis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, leukemia, post operative care and countless other health care issues. It was a challenging environment but fortunately there were many patient services available at this location compared to others. It was a privilege for me to be in a place of hope and love to serve the beautiful people of Haiti with my wonderful colleagues. What we were able to do was just a drop in the bucket, what we need to do is so much more- today, tomorrow and for the years to come. I thank Yvonne, Gibson , the Medishare program and Vision Air for making this trip possible , Lunie and her family for taking me to their home in Port au Prince and around the city, as well as everyone who prayed for us and contributed to the much needed supplies that we were sent with us from South Florida. Keep the prayers and contributions going to Haiti. They are making a difference. Rosa __________________________________________ March 3, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: A note from Yvonne: Hey Mike! I agree it seems like the sense of urgency is dying out for Haiti. We had a team that just came back and they had an AWESOME experience and they helped save many lives. We are sending out 2 PAs next week if anyone wants to jump aboard PLEASE let me know maybe another 2 or so would be GREAT !!! We work with a wonderful organization there called Quisqueya Crisis Center in Quisqueya. Fellow PAs the Haitian people need YOUR HELP!! Yvonne Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, MPAS,AAHIVS __________________________________________ March 1, 2010 (Personal Email from PA who has been to Haiti) Mike and Eric, First I want to say thanks for all that you guys do with our state organization! You guys are awesome!!! Second, Thanks for sending out all of the Haiti updates. I am a PA up here in Gainesville that works with our University MDs in Ortho. A few days after the earthquake, I was talking to one of my supervising MDs and we had this strong desire to travel to Haiti to assist. Well, after many phone calls and emails, we had two offers to go in the same day. We ended up traveling to Milot , Haiti by way of the CRUDEM foundation. CRUDEM is a not-for-profit org that helps fund a hospital on the northern side of Haiti . We ended up taking 3 ortho surgeons, 2 anesthesiologists, 1 family med MD, 1 nurse, and me. The hospital had 3 full ORs, and 3 procedure rooms that were used as ORs. Our team accomplished a shade more than 200 surgeries in 5 days. It truly was an indescribable experience. The reason for my email to you guys is that hopefully you would be kind enough to pass this opportunity to all of the PAs in the state. As you have heard, Haiti will continue to need medical help for months (probably years) to come. I fear that as the days and weeks go by, that Haiti will drop from many minds. I would not pass this info onto you if I didn’t think it was a great opportunity to help out. It is in a VERY safe area (70 miles north of PAP). They have a compound where they have been housing (and feeding) all medical staff. Please see below a twitter link to our experience. Also, I have included Carol Fipp’s email as a contact for the CRUDEM foundation. She is charged with organizing all medical volunteers. She is based in Jacksonville , FL and VERY interested in hearing from anyone here in the state (as it is pretty easy to get to Haiti from S.Florida). The UF group is planning a return trip in Jan ’11 and will return for subsequent trips yearly. www.twitter.com/uf_ortho_haiti www.crudem.org Carol Fipp: cfipp@bellsouth.net Thanks again for all you guys do! -matt Matt Walser, PA-C Department of Orthopaedics University of Florida walsemp@ortho.ufl.edu __________________________________________ March 1, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: I spoke with a PA who has direct knowledge of volunteers returning from Haiti. She said that the teams that have been going down with the UM group now have air-conditioned space to live with good sanitary facilities and food. She also told me that most volunteers can only tolerate about 4 - 5 days. The stench and the desperate living conditions of the people there take a heavy emotional toll. As you have probably read in the news, infectious disease it starting to be a huge problem. Even US military personnel are contracting malaria. Please see Yvonne's update below. At the FAPA Conference this past week PA students organized a donation drive and many pounds of medicine and durable medical equipment were donated by PA from all over the state. More on this will come, but kudos to the student PAs!!!!! Below is Yvonne's updatge and below that is a message From Ron Maggard, director of the Care Link Clinic who has established a clinic site in PAP. Eagles wings is still on the ground in PAP busy distributing food. I'm waiting for their update. -------------------------------- From Yvonne: Just had an ID come back last pm and have a few on the ground there with UM. Malaria running rampant and even CEREBRAL malaria!! We can use IV QUININE or QUINIDINE and Chloroquine tablets 500mg preferably. Typhoid is being seen a lot, so cipro or Levaquin needed. Some saw a lot of Tetanus, and TB. Scabies is all over the place in some areas outside and around PAP. Many women in L& D. My Drs had to resuscitate many newborns!! Most made it. ID, IM, Ortho, ER Peds and OB/GYN needed now!! One of our prosthetic techs put a leg limb on a patient and he walked for the first time without any difficulty!!! This was a huge milestone all the HAITIANs were ecstatic!! This increased their faith and they all said they wanted to learn this skill so they can help their people. We are now thinking about possibly making that happen. Shout out to Jason for his talents and gifts!!!! Will fill you in more when the rest gets back. Please send us any of the above medications if you can and a special shout out to Cindy for ALL THOSE CRUTCHES and WALKERS along with other medical supplies!!!! What collaboration!!! You are an angel!!! God Bless all of you!!!!!!!!!! Just got word these supplies are needed for our partners in Haiti ASAP Please have them contact us is they can donate these much needed items. scalpels Blades type (#15) surgical suture size (3.0, 4.0) Exam tables stethoscopes otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes speculums for women Pedialyte for dehydration for babies Formula Thank you!!! Yvonne Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, MPAS,AAHIVS PLEASE take note of my new email YWind@its.jnj.com "Do not fear- only believe. All things are possible to him that believes."- JC Tibotec Therapeutics, Division of Centocor Ortho Biotech Services, LLC Email: ywind@its.jnj.com Cell: 954-675-9592 Fax: 954-344-1970 Work: 1-800-588-4616 X9426 ---------------------------------- Here is a message from Ron Maggard, director of the Care Link clinic: Care Link has a free clinic in Jupiter, Fl. And very many PA students have had an opportunity to get their feet wet, medically speaking, there. Got our new clinic place today here in PAP. It is awesome. We need some volunteer staffers if you know any who want to do missions. http://www.carelinkinternational.org/Carelink/Carelink.html Ron ------------------------------------- Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH, DFAAPA __________________________________________ February 24, 2010** (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: I am waiting for an update from Yvonne and from Eagles Wings who are both back in Haiti. If you have looked beyond the headlines and kept up with the situation, you are aware that conditions are deteriorating and many more deaths are expected. Below is an e-mail I received regarding volunteer opportunities in Palm Beach County and the world. If you are so inclined and feel comfortable with this group, please contact them at the address provided. Please remember to bring any durable medical equipment (Crutches, canes, wheelchairs, etc.) plus any medical supplies you have to the FAPA conference in Orlando this week. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH, DFAAPA FAPA Past President Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee Chaiman --------------------------------------------- Greetings all of you! There are a number of interesting and meaningful ways to share you medical talent in our community and world in the coming months. If you know of others, please send me an email and their contact info and I will make the opportunity known. As you read through, note there is a form at the bottom for you to indicate interest in any of the offerings. Hit "REPLY" and check off what interests you. and then SEND. I will keep ou informed about al teh details by those responses. CARELINK 4:30-8:30 Monday evenings 4:30-8:30 3rd Thurs evening Saturday a month, morning CareLink is a beautiful free medical clinic serving Jupiter and the surrounding area. It is an amazing place where people can come and receive the care they need and would not otherwise have. They are desperately in need of medical staffing for the few hours a week they are open and they need translators since many of their patients do not speak English. The clinic sees patients every Monday night 4:30-8:30, and the 3rd Tuesday 4:30-8:30 and Saturday mornings. You can commit to one time, or every week, or on call. They are flexible. They also need someone qualified to do diabetic, lipid, hypertension and general health teaching. Also, as an FYI, they are looking to rent the clinic Mon-Fri during the day to anyone needing space in Jupiter. R.A.M. (remote area medical) April 10-11 6am-6pm Coming to the Fairgrounds in April to provide free medical care to Palm Beach County. They are in need of dentists, doctors, optometrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, dental assistants and hygienists,and other medical personnel. They can use translators also. There is no charge for the care and no restrictions as to whom is eligible. This is not a Christ Fellowship event, it is a separate event. Medications, chairs, exam tables, etc are all provided by RAM. This will be an exciting chance to serve thousands. CHRIST FELLOWSHIP FAMILY HEALTH FAIR May 15 (Saturday) 9am-2pm We are continuing what has been very successful in the past and expanding this year to include pediatric health as well as senior and family health.. We need exhibitors who are interested in providing screenings, information and education, and/or demonstrations. The children's health fair will be in the God's Town building and the adult health will be in the Groot Center, so think about which you would like to address. We are also looking for raffle prizes for this event. There is no charge to have an exhibit/booth. We want to provide a lot of screenings and education and will be providing school health exams for next school year on site at that time. We will need physicians, nurse practitioners and physician's assistants who can sign off on those exams, as well as nurses, medical assistants and student nurses who can help with screenings. More info to follow if you register interest. In the adult/senior area, we will offer vision screening, hearing screening, immune system testing, blood pressure screening, glucose testing, ALF info, medical equipment, raw food demonstrations, nutrition information, prescription information, and on and on. More info for those with interest. BELLE GLADE July We will need nurses and doctors to provide onsite supervision and care to our 400+ students who travel to Belle Glade for a week of hard, hot mission field work. Last year we experienced dehydration, sprains, lacerations and while only two student required transport to a hospital, it was a handful for the medical folks who were on site. We may be doing back to school physicals and mini wellness checks/education for the community. We can utilize you a few hours, or a day. More info to follow. BACK TO SCHOOL BASH August 14 Convention Center, West Palm We are partnering with more than 20 organizations to improve the services that we can render to families who have school age children. We are focusing once again on preparing for school and we will give away back packs. The children will be able to pick from school supplies with a personal shopper. I have the priviledge of heading up the Health Team again for the 4th year. We will offer free back to school physicals and the county will be doing immunizations required for school.We want to offer screenings and information to the adults in the community and will have a Health Services Community Tent/Room where vendors can set up exhibits and do screenings. We expect more than the 400+ physicals we traditionally do, and we need HELP!! OVERSEAS MISSIONS varying Christ Fellowship as well as numerous other organizations send teams out to serve in other countries. God's Blessings Sarah Byrd HealthCare and Compassion Ministries Christ Fellowship Church 5343 Northlake Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 561-799-7600 x 1518 www.goChristFellowship.com __________________________________________ February 19, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: As our attention turns towards Vancouver and Marhal, let's not forget that the disaster in Haiti is worsening. With the onset of the rainy season people there face new threats to their health in the form of waterborne and insectborne diseases. Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, one of our true heroines, is in need of skilled medical volunteers, doctors, PAs, NPs, nurses, to go to Haiti for 3 day tours. She has an immediate need for a group going next week. She has partnered with several other groups, including UM, and has secure living facilities and transportation. If you can spare a few days to assist, please contact her. The information is below. We have all heard about the life saving amputations that have been done there. The problem is the facilites performing the amputations do not have facilities for post-op care, so the patients are sent back to the streets. The sanitation is horendous, they have no means to clean their wounds or keep clean dressings on and these people are developing infections and dying. There is a tremendous need for skilled care, antibiotics, dressings, antibiotic ointments, etc. If you can help with any of these supplies, please contact Yvonne. Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, MPAS,AAHIVS Executive Virology Specialist PLEASE take note of my new email address: YWind@its.jnj.com If our lives and ministry are to count for anything today we must solemnly resolve to make time for God. Vance Havner Tibotec Therapeutics, Division of Centocor Ortho Biotech Services, LLC Email: .ywind@its.jnj.com Cell: 954-675-9592 Fax: 954-344-1970 Work: 1-800-588-4616 X9426 "Bringing hope to Life" Sincerely, mike __________________________________________ February 10, 2010** (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Below is information regarding PAs who are collecting durable medical equipment for Haiti. And another from Yvonne with a list of urgently needed supplies. If you can help with any of these items, please contact these terrific PAs. I am very proud that so many Florida PAs are stepping up to make a difference!! mike ----------------------------------- Hey Mike, This was the latest update from ortho perspective: children's crutches!!! And adult crutches preferably the aluminum kind, ace bandages for every joint, limb, casting materials (inner and outer) wound care supplies, and from medicine end Antibiotics and Cipro lots of diarrhea, flagyl, tx for URI, if possible nebulizers portable with nebules for albuterol, and MDI if possible, pain meds!!!, antidiarrheals, bactroban generic lots of Impetigo. Thank you please if you could send mass email if PA's have this I will take a share for Haiti for part of these that get donated please.. Yvonne Email: .ywind@its.jnj.com Cell: 954-675-9592 Fax: 954-344-1970 Work: 1-800-588-4616 X9426 ----------------------------------- Dear Mike, I, along with several others are collecting durable medical devices. We have storage space available, shipping is ongoing, and a distribution center is in place. So far, we are collecting wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and potty chairs. Childrens' crutches and wheelchairs are in dire need. I live in Port Charlotte Florida and my friend lives in Estero, Florida. Joni Thompson PA-C 941-626-3520 Pat Granitz 239-980-4261 __________________________________________ February 9, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: If you have been following the news reports from Haiti, although many of the news cameras have left in search of news that is more controversial, you know that they are in a very critical phase. People, especially children, are dying every day from diarrheal illness and malnutrition. The need for sanitation and medicine is great. While the Red Cross has amassed over $500M in donations, very little of that has actually been used for Haitian relief. The faith based groups always seem to be the ones who get the most done. Below is an appeal from a pre-PA student who is helping organize a fund raiser in the Jacksonville area. Great to see a rising PA star!!! The Eagles Wings Foundation supported Path Finders groups, led by Scott Lewis, has been asked to return to Haiti. They have been given a $500K matching grant from Searcy, Denny Law firm. Every dollar donated from individuals and groups will be matched up to a total of $500K by the Searcy, Denny law firm. Eagles Wings has no paid employees and all office space is donated, so 100% of all money donated goes directly to the Haitian relief effort. They have been recognized by the Haitian Govt as THE most effective group in distributing aid supplies, over 2.8 million people were given food in one week by the group, far more than anyone else. Please consider a donation to Eagles Wings Foundation. Go to http://www.theeagleswingsfoundation.org/ to make a tax deductible donation. Regarding the medical equipment/supplies drives, I have contacts in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Naples who can ship the stuff for fee to Haiti and see that it is distributed appropriately. Please let me know how your efforts are progressing. Sincerely, Mike ------------------------------ Dear Mike, Thank you for all the wonderful updates. I am a pre-PA student in Jacksonville, FL and I am organizing a fundraising walk for Haiti. The event is called Heal to Toe for Haiti and will benefit the Walking Free program developed by Physicians for Peace. The program was founded for Haiti in 2005 due to the high incidence of disability caused by amputations. Since the earthquake, there have been over 4000 amputations and this walk will help provide funding for much needed prostheses, crutches, wheelchairs, therapy and other mobility devices. The walk will be held in Jacksonville Beach on Saturday March 27th at 8am. I have included a link to the website below. Anyone interested in participating can register online and those who cannot make it can donate through the site as well. I am working out the logistics of holding a simultaneous mobility device drive. I, unfortunately, have no way to transfer the supplies to Haiti. I would greatly appreciate any support in communicating this cause. Thank you so much and have a wonderful week! Sincerely, Coral McCree 904-316-4332 Cmccree@gmail.com www.HealtoToeforHaiti.eventbrite.com __________________________________________ February 8, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Here is a clip from an article about the problem of the onset of the rainy/hurricane season in Haiti: "Many in the camps are already complaining of illnesses. With so many people living outside and using water from buckets, doctors say malaria is on the rise. The coming rains and limited sanitation could also lead to other diseases such as dengue fever, measles and cholera." As I have said before, the problems facing the Haitian population will not be resolved any time soon. If you can't go now, rest assured your services will be welcome weeks, months and years from now. When you go please be sure to take proper precautions regarding infectious disease, see the article above. Several clinics have offered vaccinations and malaria medications. Some vaccinations for some of the other tropical diseases you will have to get from a travel medicine specialist. I would like to ask PAs in the various cities and counties to get together and find out what you can do to help. Organizing a drive to collect good but unused crutches, canes, walkers, or other supplies is one idea. Let me know what you can organize, I will take care of transporting the stuff to Haiti. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ February 8, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: FAPA is considering have a "supply drive" at the upcoming Winter Conference. A PA suggested that many people have crutches, canes, walkers, etc. sitting around their house and/or medical supplies (not out of date) that they could donate. If you think you could donate some medical supplies, please let me know so I can inform the coordinators of the Conference about what to expect. Here is a letter from the Haitian Minister of Commerce regarding re-deployment of the Pathfinders/Eagles Wings team. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ February 6, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) For those who have asked how they can get involved, Yvonne is performing miracles! Her contact info is below. There are numerous other organizations listed on the FAPA website. Just click on the State Emergency Responders and Volunteers on the home page and the list will pop up. ----------------------------- Hey Mike, Great email. AMEN !!! Just wanted to update you. We have sent 3 teams out so far every week and have not missed a beat. Today, we sent our first PROSTHETIC team out this AM !!! Thanks to ALBERT GOMEZ !! This is a WONDERFUL thing!! This will be the first of many!! My partnership with Albert Gomez has been AWESOME thanks to you !!! He is a wonderful, caring dedicated individual who like me, shares a "sense of URGENCY" but Albert is a TRUE HERO!!! Making things happen and I am so blessed to be working with him side by side!! Yvonne Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, MPAS,AAHIVS Email: .ywind@its.jnj.com __________________________________________ February 3, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Two submissions from PAs regarding the relief effort in Haiti: Hi. My husband is an infectious Disease Doctor and he sent this to me. I thought you might like to distribute it to the group. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. Although I can not physically go to help in Haiti right now I have sent donations and will continue to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Tx. Diana Kopec http://www.gideononline.com/blog/wp/wp-content/uploads/The-Infectious-Diseases-of-Haiti-by-GIDEON.pdf --------------------------------- The unfortunate disaster in Haiti is as you said very complex and the experience of traveling to Haiti to PROVIDE MEDICAL HELP although essential is not for everyone especially for people who have, as you said, never been out of the US . This is probably not the best time for them to go to Haiti . What is needed in Haiti now, are people who are very experienced not only in medicine but also culturally versed, have had exposure to other cultures that are quite different from what they are used to in the US , are mature enough to withstand the physical and mentor stress of this natural catastrophe. Best Wishes Pascale __________________________________________ February 1, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Below is a report from another heroic PA who went to Hiati, with a different perspective. The EWF has had a number of people returning from Haiti and in the debriefing several things have come out. There is a lot of performance frustration, that is, people felt they were not able to accomplish what they wanted. Others have discussed the impact that the stench of dead, rotting bodies had on them and others the shock at the magnitude of the disaster and the human toll and how they were affected. There have been some minor injuries sustained by volunteers, many have returned with upper respiratory infections, and another potential long term health hazard is the dust that permeates the atmosphere and the potential for respiratory infections; bacterial, fungal, viral. Anyone who goes needs to be aware of infectious diseases, such as TB, malaria, Leischmaniasis, food and waterborne infections that may have latent manifestations. Be aware of fever, diarrhea, etc., that may manifest days or even weeks after returning. I would highly recommend that anyone returning be checked for TB regularly. mike -------------------------------------------- Good morning; I am a PA working in the Miami Area. I just returned from a 5 day trip to Haiti with a group of 30 other medical providers and I can tell you that it is very true that the devastation is grand and the medical need is great. There are lots of major trauma cases and the need for medical personnel with trauma experience and wound care is gravely needed. I spent five days there traveling around Port-au-Prince and I can tell you that for one minute I did not feel that I was in any danger anywhere I went . What I saw were extremely courageous people trying to pick-up their lives and moving on in spite of the grave disaster they face. One afternoon, a group of us were out distributing masks to a neighborhood where they had a lot of dead bodies still under broken homes and the people were very thankful and civil toward us. I think that people need to exercise common sense whenever they are going into areas where there is total disaster and people are struggling to even find a bottle of water to drink. It is not really fair to the people of Haiti to publicize such isolated incidence as status quo and scare people who would otherwise be willing to help. Before going I was really scared listening to all the tell tells but I went, came back and I am glad I did and I am already planning my next trip for the end of April. Sincerely Pascale G. PA-C __________________________________________ January 29, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Below is a response from Bill Marquardt regarding the NSU effort that you should be aware of (referenced in January 28 submission below). At this point in time they are NOT recruiting providers from outside NSU faculty/staff, although that may change: ------------------------------------- I had a meeting this morning with the HPD ADHOC Committee on Responders to the Haiti Earthquake. The NSU effort is still being fully developed, including professional and personal liability issues and review of the Governor's Executive Order regarding nurse licensing, the White house Phone Conference, the NSU President's work group, and the College of Pharmacy's document on contributions of medications. The emphasis (for now) is limited to recruiting NSU faculty only (physicians, PAs, nurses) - students are specifically excluded and will not be included in the effort. Extending the UM / FIU / NSU teams beyond those is possible, but not the priority. (I had inquired specifically about PAs licensed in other states, adjunct faculty and alumni) As you know, only a minority of the F/T faculty have active licenses, and of those most are simply unable to leave for a week at a time for a matter of months (possibly years) but the effort continues. A FAPA reference to the effort / involvement is certainly appropriate, but they are not in the mode of requesting volunteers from the community to augment the current effort. William H. Marquardt, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA Associate Professor & Associate Dean for Physician Assistant Education ---------------------------------- Next is a letter from FAPA member Kim Stewart, PA-C, another of our heroes, just returned from Haiti: --------------------------------- Mike, I followed your leads on the web site to go to Haiti and help. I took a leap of faith and God put me where he wanted me. I just got home a few hours ago after 1 week on the ground in Haiti. I was able to witness God's work in the hands of medical and non medical people as well as the Haitians I came in contact with. God is doing some amazing work there in all that I saw and all that I did. I was hooked up with worldwidevillage.org and heartlineministries.org I worked in a clinic and hospital made out of two homes making unprecedented strides in disaster relief. We would go into the tent cities and slum area and find the patients, bring them to our clinic and hospital, treat their wounds, give them antibiotics and pain meds, admit them or take them home and then pick them up again for follow up wound care. FEMA was very interested in our model as we just happened to pick up one of the top guys on our charter flight home Thursday. We transferred several of only our worst patients that we could not handle to the USS Comfort and Miami Hospital at the airport. Then Thursday as I was leaving we had word back that of all the NGOs there were transferring patients to them we were giving the best care and follow up of all of them. We even traded a patient with the Comfort to alleviate their stress. They took one of our femur fx that needed an x-fix or ORIF for one of their patients. We did multiple small amputations, one night they did an emergency c-section where both the 17 year old mother and baby would have died if they had not done it. We saw the poorest of the poor and their horrible wounds and fx that had been untreated for even 2 weeks. Wednesday Jan. 27th I found multi hip fx, tibia fx, tibia plateau fx ankle fx and arm fxs, in addition to all the infected and necrotic wounds. These are all clinical dx of the fractures as we had no xray. Tues Jan 26 I even found a lady laying on a piece of cardboard in one of the tent cities who hadn't been able to walk since the earth quake because of pain. No neuro deficits but an obvious palpable t-spine step off fx, we transferred her. I don't recommend any one just going into these tent cities. We were with local long term missionaries well established in the community, local translators, security, and a caged passenger truck. We were safe and never felt threatened, the people knew we were there to help, yet we could not carry or hand out water or food. When we got them to the clinic and hospital we tried to feed them all with protein rice and water. Long term wound care and rehab will be the biggest need as the bones heal and the hearts mend. God Bless you and all that you have done and did to bring awareness to Haiti. Kim Siewert PA-C __________________________________________ January 28, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Below are 2 reports from 2 more of our very heroic FAPA members who have had an opportunity to serve as volunteers in Haiti. Next, there are two more opportunities to volunteer. First, from 1st Lt. Ray Rakhar (please heed his advice): ----------------------------------------- We were selected by Turks and Caicos Officials to assist in Operation Rescue Haiti. Dr. Kevin Shrock, Dr Ceasar Ceballos and I (Orthopaedic Trauma Team) were selected to assist locals at a small hospital 3 hours away from Port Au Prince. We were flown from Miami to Turks and Caicos and then transported via Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane to Haiti. Once we landed in Port Au Prince we had a problem getting transportation to a village called Deschapelle. Our mission was to go to Hospital Albert Schweitzer (www.hashaiti.org), which is located in Deschapelle and provide immediate surgical care. I spoke to a Major from the US Navy and he was willing to fly us in via helicopter. However, we decided to take the scenic route via van from a local who lived in Port Au Prince. Once out of the airport, there was chaos all over the place we had locals trying to grab our bags and we had to fence them off. Shortly after, we were safe and began our journey deep into Haiti. It was interesting to know that many locals from Port Au Prince left and found transportation to Deschapelle. They thought that the hospital there was fully staffed and prepared. Many ended up waiting days for surgery and some had died. Once we arrived we were greeted by the Hospital's Director and he escorted us through the Hospital. I was immediately struck by emotions as I looked around. People were piled up in the hallways and many with very bad fractures and wounds. It had been 5 days after the Earthquake and no one had surgical medical attention. The director told us that they only had 2 surgeons that left to Port Au Prince. Once we toured the hospital, it was straight to the operating room. Infants, children and open fractures were priority. We began operating in operating rooms without A/C and they were not to sterile, but the job had to be done. We had a list close to 150 patients that needed surgery. We casted and splinted infants and children, applied external fixators and plates to fractures, debrided many infected wounds and had to amputate as well. No words to describe the experience. We operated for almost 3 days straight and maybe slept 6 hours total. We actually ran out of materials, plates and fixators. Finally we got word that a group of Trauma Surgeons were on the way to relieve us. We had locals bringing us food and water and luckily we were sheltered near the hospital. Our next problem was getting out of Deschapelle. We had to arrange our own transportation to the airport. We obtained a local to drive us up to a town called Cap Haitian in northern Haiti where a plane was on stand by for us.. We were infromed by the officials in Turks and Caicos that they can fly us out of Haiti and safely fly us back to Miami. There was no way of getting back home from Port Au Prince because we had no flight arrangements. We were told to leave at 3am and drive 5 hours through tough terrain. We left early also because we were at risk of being robbed or kidnapped. Our driver was armed and we were ready for the unexpected. I have to mention that my military skills kicked in and I made sure I had multiple strategic plans. A map, a compass, water and food was important on this trip. Luckily we came prepared with a satellite phone in case we needed military extraction. The ride was very uncomfortable and at times our driver was not to sure were he was going. He had to pull over during daylight and ask some locals. Finally, we arrive at this very small airport with only two planes on the runway. One was heading to Turks and Caicos and that was our ride home. Upon arriving into Turks and Caicos, we were greeted by officials and we were given the title of The First official Surgical Rescue Team of Turks and Caicos. It was an adventure that I will never forget and I am glad that I had the opportunity to provide medical care to our neighbors in Haiti. I know that many PA's wanted to volunteer, but I do recommend speaking to someone before you deploy to unknown territory. One must think of survival first, sleeping environments, food, water and personal hygiene. I have heard some bad stories of medical and rescue personnel that have dehydrated, had no food and some have died. So my word of advice is to have proper training and be very prepared for the unexpected. I am honored to mention that this week I was commissioned to 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve and hopefully next year make Captain. My goal is to continue to provide compassionate medical care and to teach others from my experiences. 1st Lt. Ray Rakhar, PA-C Orthopeadic and Emergency Medicine ----------------------------------------- Next, here is a letter from our heroine Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C: ----------------------------------------- Dear Mike and fellow FAPA members, Monday, January 18th, our first team of nine (mostly doctors, PA's and a few chaplains) left for Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was heart breaking as we saw the catastrophic affects of the powerful >7.0 quake. We saw families displaced, now living in tents, and we could not escape the stench of rotting bodies. We were in area on perimeter of PAP with CRISIS Internationa; giving us direction and initially started in Quesqueya in Delmas 55, 75 district then Kings hospital and surgeons worked out of 7th day Aventist hospital in Duchini but there were too many providers there last week. We worked @ hospital called Haitis Hope with German physicians. Now team has been in and coming home this evening from South perimeter of Epi-Center in refuge camps/tents and treating patients by foot. The need is to stabilize the patients and eliminate risks for dehydration and infection, post op care, wound and dressing care. Too many unnecessary amputations being done. We must consider the Haitian culture and sensitivity of the people and the extensiveness and state of the injury On Monday, January 25th, another team of eleven left with over $100,000 of medical equipment. (So far, generous donors have been Über charitable giving over $125,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment to Haiti). So Thanks to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves and partnered with us. Again, thank you! GSGO's mission in Haiti is to show God's love in a tangible way! Our teams are resilient and focused. Here are a few highlights: · We met a baby boy who immediately after the quake was thought to be dead, so rescue workers left him among the deceased on a sidewalk. Days later, someone spotted his limbs moving and brought him to the medical center where he finally received medical attention. Though officials say he is probably now one of the many new orphans in Haiti, we rejoiced that he escaped with only a few broken bones. · We ministered to a college-aged man who after the earthquake was like that man on the road to Jericho who the Good Samaritan helped. This Haitian young man was injured and left for dead. Some people passed him by, ignoring his cries for help. And in his vulnerability, he actually got robbed! The person who finally stopped and helped him was a homeless man who he recognized as the beggar he would give money to on his way to school. He credits that man with saving his life. · Our ministry's medical director, PA Yvonne has done a fantastic job bringing together a great group of physicians that truly have a heart to serve. · Please pray for another team leaving this Thursday. · Request: Please pass this information to any orthopedic Trauma, ID and ER DOCs/PA's, Nurses you know. We are currently accepting applications. In all, many lives are being touched and healed physically as well as spiritually. GSGO started doing ministry in Haiti in 2003 participating in evangelistic meetings, feeding the poor, and disaster relief after the hurricanes in 2004. Please pray for our team's safety. Here is a link if you decide to contribute a tax deductible gift to the ministry: (website: http://gibsonglobaloutreach.org/haiti.html). Remember no amount is insignificant..Thanks so much for all your overwhelming support and prayers for our brothers and sisters in Haiti! For His Glory, Gibson Sylvestre and Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C To volunteer contact Ynonne at YWind@its.jnj.com ----------------------------------------------- Here is information on another volunteer opportunity: ---------------------------------------------- HHS Launches Web Site for Medical Volunteers in Haiti The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a Web site for medical workers who wish to volunteer their services to the earthquake relief effort in Haiti. To be considered for deployment as HHS volunteers, the Web site asks medical professionals to e-mail their request to Haiti.volunteer@hhs.gov, including their name, clinical area, specialty skills, degrees and language capabilities (particularly how fluent they are in Haitian Creole or French). HHS will also share the information with the U.S. Agency for International Development and non-governmental organizations seeking medical volunteers, who may contact them if an opportunity matching their skills and credentials becomes available. Volunteers who have registered at the Center for International Disaster Information Web site should also send a request to HHS to maximize their chances of being deployed. HHS Deploying U.S. Medical Personnel to Haiti The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. More than 250 personnel are in the process of deploying to Haiti and over 12,000 personnel could possibly assist in the coming days. "HHS medical personnel from across the country are traveling to Haiti to provide emergency medical care," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "These experts will provide medical care to the injured and will support the public health response on the ground. Additional medical personnel will be deploying to Haiti to help address the critical health issues in the aftermath of the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who are suffering from this terrible disaster." The medical teams include doctors, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical and surgical physicians, and other medical personnel from Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida. An International Medical Surgical Response Team will provide care for severely injured patients and five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams will provide basic medical care. These personnel will be accompanied by 22,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies. In addition, experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will assist with checking the water and food supply. HHS is committed to supporting the medical and public health needs of the Haitian people. The department will continue to mobilize support staff and supplies as part of the integrated U.S. government response to the earthquake. For the latest information, visit www.hhs.gov. --------------------------------------------- Next, I am taking the liberty of sending out this e-mail from the NSU PA Program asking for medical volunteers, without the expressed written consent of my good friend William Marquardt. He will probably want to shoot me, again, but not to worry, he is a horrible marksman. --------------------------------------------- NSU is partnering with the University of Miami in providing provider teams (physicians, physician assistants, nurses) able to assist in Haiti. Volunteers must be licensed and will be rotated in and out in 3-4 day cycles. If interested, respond to me ASAP with your availability. William H. Marquardt, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA Associate Professor & Associate Dean for Physician Assistant Education marquard@nova.edu ------------------------------------------- Finally, here are links to EWF founder Scott Lewis distributing food in PAP. As you can see, this is a heroic task made at great personal risk. http://postpix.palmbeachpost.com/mycapture/enlargePopup.asp?image=27711806&event=926554&CategoryID=49309&pSlideshow=1&picnum=4&move=B#Image http://www.miamiherald.com/haiti/. Near the bottom of the above link is a story called "Hunger at the Palace Gates." If you click on it you can see Scott in the still frame picture of the video. The video shows the food distribution today, shows the lines formed, food, shows Scott yelling for people to get in order, and shows a UN guy firing a gun in the air. Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ January 26, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to Membership) Dear PA: Below is an article From Adrian Belido, a PA who just returned from Haiti deployment. At the end of his article is contact info for another group seeking medical, not necessarily surgical, volunteers. Below Adrian's article is another volunteer opportunity through the Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship, a highly organized and effective NGO working in Haiti. Below that is an article from the Miami Herald about the experience of Eagles Wings Foundation and their attempts to distribute food in PAP. Scary, to say the least! I was also told the e-mail address for Yvonne Wind-Vazquez does not work. Drop the . before the address, use YWind@its.jnj.com and it'll get you through to her. Sincerely, mike Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH FAPA past President/ Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman -------------------------------- Good evening Mike, It is my opinion that the Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort has been an ongoing improving process. Let me just preface my opinion by expressing how impressed I have been with the way that the worlds as a whole has responded to the relief effort. I can only describe to you what my personal experience has lead me to believe specifically about the University of Miami's Medishare Haitian Relief. Firstly, we organized the mission with a gentleman by the name of Albert Gomez, a selfless engineer that gives his time and heart to helping such outreach projects all over the world. Through the support of the Medisgare Program at the University of Miami, the hospital facility was constructed in a matter of days, not weeks. Rather impressive considering the funds coming mainly from a university and not the Federal government. I had heard the UM facility was established after the University of Miami was denied collaboration with the United Nations' effort. Nevertheless, Mr. Gomez had organized a trip for my immediate orthopedic upper extremity surgical team to arrive on a charter flight from the Hop-A-Jet hangar at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. There were several other physicians returning from Haiti as well as a few others that had wanted to join us but only one, Dr. Luc Sherille, a Haitianamerican obstetric gynecologist had joined our party. Let me just say that the doctor proved a to be a valuable addition to our team with regards to being able to communicate with patients and obtain a thorough history. Initially, prior to the flight, we were assured by Mr. Gomez that we would be going to a facility with 8 operating rooms; 3 of these rooms would be allocated to our team which would have also included Dr. Carlos Lavernia, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Lavernia had gone on an earlier flight with our wonderful occupational therapist, Charleen Stennet (she is also an officer in the military reserves). Upon arriving we were directed to the hospital tents. We had learned that some of our own instruments and devices we had brought on the earlier flight with Ms. Stennett were commandeered by the trauma surgeons from the University of Miami for their immediate use which was not a problem for us as we still had additional medical supplies. In fact, we had brought our own anesthesiologist, Dr. Angel Saavedra, a pioneer in pain management and an essential professor of regional anesthesia and pain block provided through ultrasound guidance nerve blocks. Let me just say we have never had a complication from anesthesia in over 10 years while working at The Hand Institute. All this, and of course our medical director and CEO of the The Hand Institute, Dr. Jorge L. Orbay, board certified orthopedic hand surgeon, who has and continues to invent revolutionary new and creative devices addressing upper extremity surgical proceedures. Along with several contributions from external sources we were relatively a self sufficient unit. It is this self sufficiency that paved the way to us being allowed to work at UM. Dr. Lavernia, from what I understood, was turned down in regards to a lack of facilities so he had left on the next available flight home; infact a P.A. by the name of Mike Letter (I apologize for the possible misspell of his last name) after having discovered he would not be assisting Dr. Lavernia in surgeries had attempted to find alternative work in triaging and conservative patient management but also left after spending one day. In actuality, there were only 3 makeshift operating rooms and all three were being used solely by University of Miami trauma and orthopedic surgeons as well as their residents. One of the trauma surgeons had managed to find permission for Dr. Orbay to be given a split operating room; we were not to use any of their equipment other than any needed soft goods such as casting supplies, bandaging, etc. We were also told to triage and look for our own patients. Only hand and wrist cases; no forearm, elbow, nor shoulder cases. The upper extremity was to be covered by the UM surgical staff. We performed a few surgeries. We could have performed many more during our stay. I had seen very highly experienced surgeons relegated to accepting palliative care positions and performing castings or deciding to go home sooner as there was no immediate use of their highly skilled services. We stayed for 3 days and performed a total of 6 surgeries. Personally, I kept busy helping manage patients in the pediatric and general medical tents by aiding patients receive the care they so desperately needed. Nurses were overworked and physicians were used more in triaging and patient management. Many patients were in cots for many days without receiving attention. There was a tremendous need for interpreters and nurses and most of all woundcare specialists, particularly physical and occupational therapists. Including Ms. Stennett, there were only 2 other physical therapists attempting to manage several dozens of patients - they were easily the unsung heroes at the facility in my opinion. There was only one x-ray machine. Despite writing orders for x-rays, unless you found auxiliary staff to help you carry the patient to the x-ray unit, you would not have x-rays on your patients. In summary, I was glad to see that there was this serious effort to help the Haitian people (may I also say that UM apparently did have another unit elsewhere and there were several community outreach clinics being established through their family medicine division) I still thought that all skilled medical volunteers who were asked to fly down and help in the cause, should have been used to their fullest capacity. The hundreds of people that needed our help never truly materialized as we were told. If there were a few things I would improve upon, it would be the following: -increased expansion of the UM facility itself or alternative outreach centers by other entitites that perhaps at this juncture provide building where surgery can be performed safely. This said, I have heard of various church groups and other humanitarian organizations willing to pursue these venues. -better and improved outreach programs into the cities to bring in more patients. I hope to return within the next several weeks and hope to stay in a building with running water and bathrooms as opposed to having to find a corner in the fields behind a wall. Perhaps use makeshift containers to convert them to stand alone clinics and operating rooms. Again, improvement are seeming to appear on an almost daily basis. Hope the political issues soften. By the way, Dr. Jose Centurion is looking for internal medicine, emergency medicine, and/or iCU physicians to volunteer for 2-week missions. You may contact him at josejcenturion@aol.com or call (305) 335-9083. Let's all help Haiti, Adrian D. Bellido, II, P.A.-C, MPH ------------------------------------- Next: The Heartland for Haiti birth center in Port Au Prince is being turned into a medical care center. The need is overwhelming. We have many needs! To start with we need physicians who are surgeons, orthopedists, and anesthesiologists. We can help you get here if you are willing. This will start on Monday, January 18. Those interested, available, and in possession of a current passport; please contact Lisa Buxman ASAP: E-mail bux8@aol.com or phone 1970373 2512 __________________________________________ January 25, 2010 (Email to Mike Funk from Haitian PA Junia Kairys, who recently returned from Haiti) Mike, My name is Junia Kairys PA-C, I was in Haiti the following friday after the earthquake, with Project Medishare as well. Below is an article of me and my husband being there. I was the administrative assistant at the time that helped develop Project Medishare with Dr. Fournier and Dr. Green. Thank you for all the help that FAPA has provided to my country... Junia Kairys, PA-C http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/belle-glade-doctor-and-his-haitian-wife-return-184522.html?cxtype=rss_13330... __________________________________________ January 24, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: Here is the contact info for Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, who is a PA helping to organize medical volunteers going to Haiti. They are working out of a hospital there and they are rotating teams in and out about every 3 days. They especially need PAs, doctors and nurses with surgical/ortho/trauma/ED experience. Theirs is a faith-based volunteer organization and they have to pay their own way. She can discuss details with you. She left this AM, her second rotation, and she'll be there for 3 days, so if you don't get an immediate response, be patient. Yvonne Wind-Vazquez, PA-C, MPAS,AAHIVS Email: .ywind@its.jnj.com Cell: 954-675-9592 Fax: 954-344-1970 Work: 1-800-588-4616 X9426 ----------------------------------- Next: This from the Broward County Medical Association, Dr. Vincent DeGennaro, another good friend of PAs. This is a link to the local news broadcast featuring their work. The following is a letter from his surgeon son, with links to the UM program that is also shuttling volunteers in and out of PAP to the portable hospital donated by UM. Yvonne's group is taking some of their patients for F/U wound care, etc. at the "real hospital" mentioned in Dr. DeGennaro's article: Hi all, I just got back from four days in Haiti this morning and my dad is still there. Here is a link with pictures from the trip. Read on if you are interested in hearing about the conditions as I observed them. Having been to Haiti twice before, I can tell you that the conditions there were awful before the earthquake and that may color the way that the media who haven't been there before perceive it. I was able to travel throughout most of the city without security or road issues but I did not go to the hardest hit part of Cite de Soleil. I worked with Project Medishare, which is an NGO started by University of Miami physicians in 1994 and has run medical clinics and built hospitals in the rural central plateau in partnership with Partners in Health. The Project Medishare hospital consisted of two tents on the UN base and one corner was sectioned off for an "OR". The OR was two tables cordoned off by partitions. They performed mostly amputations for the first three days and were doing 25 surgeries a day by yesterday, although the care had switched to more limb saving operations at that point. They were amputating limbs using the same leather belt as a tourniquet on everyone. There was a CNN reporter who lived with us in the tents and you can watch her videos here (which has a shot of me in the way back wearing scrub top and khaki shorts). I went to another hospital for two days that is a real hospital. They had two ORs going 24 hours a day with orthopods sleeping in shifts. I worked in triage, pre-op and post-op and functioned as an ER doc, pediatrician, nurse, psychiatrist and physical therapist. The mortality at the two hospitals was 2-3 patients per day, which is roughly 1-2% of the 200-300 total patients. Everyone had supplies, but not always the right ones. The Project Medishare hospital had pain meds and antibiotics and lots of doctors but poor facilities. The community hospital had ORs, a lab, and an xray but they didn't have good antiobiotics and they didn't have pain meds. They were giving tylenol for post-op pain to the amputees. I brought them a large box of meds from the Project Medishare hospital and spent my nights dispensing IV pain meds in the post-op rooms. The community hospital sent Project Medishare patients to be evacuated to Miami . Project Medishare sent patients to the community hospital to get x-rays and labs. They also sent nurses, doctors, and supplies. There was an Israeli hospital that had ventilators so we sent them a baby that was intubated but that volunteers spent 10 hours bagging before they reached a ventilator. The Israeli hospital had ventilators, xrays, and a neonatal intensive care unit but was located in a hard to get to part of town so Project Medishare funneled their sickest patients to them. There were literally times when we would trade patients; when a car came to drop one off, we gave them one to take back. The most inspiring thing for me was this spirit of cooperation. During my four days I worked with paramedics, nurses and doctors from Korea , France , Hungary , and Portugal . There were Jamaican army soldiers and Bolivian UN soldiers providing security for the two hospitals. People worked 18-24 hour days and never stopped moving. They gave away supplies, free rides, traded patients, gave away food and water all in the name of helping the Haitian people. On my last morning, the "aftershock", a 6.1 magnitude, woke me up after an hour and a half of sleep. The patients were screaming with such terror that I have never heard before. They began evacuating themselves and the medical staff then joined in when we saw that the whole hospital was going to leave no matter what. We evacuated almost 300 patients and every single piece of furniture in 15 minutes. Then we moved the pharmacy and supplies outside and within 45 minutes of the quake we were back at work treating the patients. They were so frightened we had to convince the patients whose turn it was in the OR to actually go inside. Please support the relief efforts by donating to Project Medishare or Partners in Health, both of whom have experience in Haiti and will be there long after the cameras leave. www.projectmedishare.org www.pih.org Thanks for listening to my own therapeutic ramblings. Peace, Vince --------------------------------- Finally, EWF, the single largest distributor of food directly to the Haitian population IN PAP and the largest distributor for the World Food Program, has come to a standstill because of bureaucratic red tape. They have not been given a new tasking from the government, they need money to pay their 120 local workers, themselves quake survivors, fuel for their 80 trucks and the release of more food that is sitting on the tarmac at the airport. Our US legislators, both House and Senate, are working to unjam the bureaucratic bottle neck. If anyone has political connections in Haiti or in the US and you think you can help this situation, please let me know ASAP. Thanks for all the positive feedback regarding these updates. Sincerely: mike Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ January 23, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: First, here are two organizations looking for surgical PAs. The link below is from the American College of Surgeons: http://insidesurgery.com/2010/01/haiti-surgeon-medical-volunteer-information/ Second: A Message from Partners In Health, founding collaborator of the GHD Project and GHDonline Volunteers At this time, while we wish we could use all of the support so generously offered by people like you, we are unable to accommodate any volunteers without significant surgical or trauma training and experience. We are most in need of orthopedic surgeons, trauma surgeons, general surgeons, trauma/surgical/orthopedic RNs, and anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesiologists. If you are a medical professional with orthopedic surgical or trauma experience or are an anesthesiologist, please email us with the following information: Your occupation, any specialization, and years of experience (eg. MD, trauma surgeon, 10 years) Date when you are available to go and length of time you can stay Where you are based/where you would travel from If you speak Haitian Creole or French Details of emergency/post-catastrophe experience Details of overseas experience We are working on the logistics of transporting trained medical volunteers to Haiti, and will contact you when we have assessed both our needs and the situation on the ground. healthvolunteer@pih.org ----------------------------- Next, here is a link to the Facebook page for Ray Rakhar, PA-C who just returned from a deployment to Haiti. WARNING these pictures are extremely graphic and show the severity of the injuries that are being cared for. http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/album.php?aid=140010&id=550201047 ----------------------------- Finally, Here is an eloquent piece written by Dr. Arthur Palamara, a good friend of PAs in Florida: God Doesn't Wear Ray-Bans By Arthur E. Palamara, MD January 22, 2010 In the grand scheme of things, I recognize that what I did was negligible. People who said "God bless you" were not aware of the paucity of my contribution nor the immense contribution of others who gave so much more. Still, this experience paints a portrait of our frail humanity and our incomplete ability to deal with it. On Thursday, January 21, 2010, I had the privilege of traveling to Haiti on a Med Evac mission, to reunite a family, transport their two injured children and two others to Jackson Memorial Hospital . Fortuitously, whatever injuries they suffered had already healed by the time of our arrival. Authorities insisted that their travel be accompanied by a physician. By shear chance, I became the anointed physician, accompanying another individual whose compassion for human suffering far exceeds mine. As a doctor for almost 40 years, I admit to having become desensitized to pathology, condescendingly able to distinguish between genuine deprivation and its pretension. Nevertheless, this experience left in me a void that may never be filled. Perhaps that is the conflict between our divinity and our humanity. Our mission was to return 5 Haitians to the United State to reunite a divided family and allow their injured members to receive needed medical care. A simple mission, yet potentially complex, since it occurred 9 days after a major earthquake; one that jarred the soul of an already impoverished nation. We stowed aboard a plane chartered by ( Miami 's) Jackson Memorial Hospital and Children's Hospital. These fine physicians and nurses would remain for an extended period and sacrifice infinity more that we, who were on simply a two hour turn-around. Airplanes are allowed to land in Port-au-prince for only two hours since there simply is insufficient room at the damaged airport. Flights have one hour to deplane and one hour to re-load. After that, they are "wheels up". If you are not on board, that is too bad. We left the Opa locka Airport ( Miami ) on a chartered 737 filled with doctors and nurses who were none too pleased since we delayed their departure. They were leaving with the same uncertainty that gripped us. None of us knew what to expect. On board was the famous Paul Farmer, MD, the genius infectious disease specialist who had started a hospital in Haiti against amazing odds and now battles drug-resistant tuberculosis world-wide I had read his book. He has accomplished great things. He smiled when I pointed out that he must be on Harvard's faculty since he was the only person on the airplane wearing a white shirt and a blue blazer. At least it wasn't tweed. Probably not the best attire when traveling into Dante's 7th circle of hell. But his experience with Haiti far exceeded mine. The airplane made a soft landing and pulled up at dusk, next to a Galaxy Star Lifter. We were warned to prepare for the acrid odor of putrefaction when the cabin door opened. Teams were organized to help unload the airplane since no other help was available and Miami 's supplies would be transported to their encampment. My companion and I were told to find our charges and return to the airplane as quickly as possible. If we did not return within two hours, we would be left behind. The cabin door opened offering only the feint hint of smoke, neither oppressive nor fetid. The 100,000 dead bodies having already been stacked, buried in mass graves, or burned; their aroma did not provoke recollection, so fast does nature purify itself. My friend and I were at last allowed to leave the plane to seek our evacuees and return as quickly as possible, not knowing what obstacles bureaucracy would place in our way. Thrusting through several cordons of uniformed Haitian border policemen, we asked guards to remember our faces to facilitate re-entry. Since their patois contained little English, our entreaties only partially cushioned our reentry. The airport itself, destitute by third world standards prior to the earthquake now resembled a shattered cavern with cracks in the wall, and piles of rubble and water puddles on the floor. Provocative advertisements of tourist attractions featuring oiled, sun-tanned, partially clad female bodies were not present. The dimly lighted terminal challenged us to find a functioning exit. After twisting and turning, we exited the sanctity of the terminal only through breaks in a security fence. The inner perimeter was protected by assault rifle bearing American GIs who prevented the milling mass of underfed Haitians from storming the terminal to seek escape on chimerical airplanes. Some have criticized the American government for taking-over of the country. Without order, little could be accomplished and aid not dispensed. Providing generators to light the airfield, and providing organization to the multitude of well-meaning countries offering aid would have resulted in a cacophony of effort. Dropping supplies from helicopters would result in starving people killing each other for food. Organizing food distribution lines and relief efforts appears entirely necessary to avoid wanton killings by those destitute enough to disregard their fellow man. After leaving the safety of the terminal, we rapidly walked through a pitch-black, broken parking lot, a facility lighted only by a handful of dim street lights. Columns of dust billowed up each time an army HumVee darted past. Using a satellite cellular phone, we connected with local ground forces to locate our evacuees. We found them in a darkened corner of the parking lot between two cars, two adults and three children waiting, uncomplaining, with the patience of Job for their two saviors. Transferal of medical information was minimalistic at best. Wounds were haphazardly redressed and IVs restarted on the one child. Contrary to our expectations, the children uttered not a peep and silently accepted every pain and indignity without protest. Obviously, their life-experience could not have prepared them for this calamity nor its aftermath. My partner relates a story that the week before he had transported a 5 year old from this same family to Miami . The child suffered a gaping, infected head injury and crushed right arm (since amputated.) When talking to physicians at Jackson Memorial Hospital upon arrival, the Jackson resident surgeon (appropriately) asked what the CT scan revealed. The young doctor obviously was uncomprehending of the depravity of conditions in Haiti . Gathering up the three children and two adults, we made our way back through the smoky, dusty potholed parking lot to gaps in the perimeter fence. Haitians without food, water, jobs, homes, beds, or hope clutched at us asking us to take them with us. When the need is so great and the resources so little, one's mind focuses only on a singular image: a starfish on the beach. For those of you who haven't heard the metaphor, a boy walked along a beach where thousands of starfish had been left on the shore by a receding tide. He picked one up and tossed it back into the ocean. Then another. Then another. A man walked up to the boy and said: "surely you don't expect to save them all?" The boy said: "No, but I sure can make a difference in the lives of a few." At the first gap in the fence, our party was greeted by a representative of the State Department and several assault rifle bearing Federal Agents. We explained our mission. The mother and her two injured children were being allowed to return to reunite with her injured son in Miami and her husband. The other man and his son had Green Cards and seats on the airplane. One Federal Agent had lived in Miami and understood its complex cultural composition. They let us pass, wishing us a "God Bless you for what your doing." I heard this repeated many more times during the remainder of the evening and still only partially comprehend the profundity of their blessing. We passed through two cordons of Haitian border guards who could do little but permit the egress of humanity and wish us God Speed. We arrived back at the tarmac, standing at the nose of our chartered 737, joined by 150 other émigrés desperately trying to exit the ravaged country. Although we were on the passenger manifest, we were told to wait at the back of the line until they could accommodate us. The three children although scared and tired, uttered not a word. My partner, who organized this mini-evacuation, and who possesses leadership capabilities of unimagined proportions, helped to load the sparse baggage carried by the departing Haitians. Although there was NO security, one bag was unaccounted for and was finally identified by an elderly Creole speaking woman who would have abandoned her few meager possessions in this earthquake ravaged country. Opening the bag revealed a family photograph that securely identified her and her family, an heirloom that would otherwise have been irretrievably lost. A few minutes past the two hour deadline, our Sky King 737 was "wheels-up". Kathy and Seth, the two airline employees who made this evacuation possible, were overjoyed by the success of "our" mission. And they should be. Without them it would not have been possible. Approaching 11 PM, we made our landing at Miami International, a straggly a group of passengers that has ever deplaned. We woke-up the children and face our last series of hurdles, American immigration. While two of our evacuees had valid American visas, the mother and her two children, traveling with us did not. The mother was returning to see her severely injured son and husband who had been taken to Jackson a week earlier. The 5 year old had undergone a craniotomy for a depressed, infected skull fracture and amputation of his arm. The mother was not aware of the loss of her son's arm and we worried about her reaction. Deplaning, we presented ourselves in front of the first of three series of immigration officers. Mark, the organizer of the rescue mission pleaded our case. The mother and her children had no identifying documents. The immigration officer, a Haitian-American woman asked: "Do they have passports?" The answer, "probably, inside of the pile of rubble that was once their home." These people came with only the clothes on their backs and the family's expectation of seeing their father and brother. Two TSA supervisors were called over. Our only documentation was an email from United States Senator George Lemieux authorizing their admittance. I was holding the young girl and her IV bag and I showed the ravages of our trip. Wearing scrubs, with my white hair and with all the surgical officialdom I could muster, I spoke up: "We have two injured children, one with an epidural hematoma or concussion and dehydration, the other with a fractured radius and dehydration. We sure wish you could help us. We are taking them to Jackson Memorial Hospital ." After a moment's pause, the senior officer offered: "Do you need a wheel chair?" I should have said yes, not knowing the distance between immigration and the exit. I was proud that I, a 66 year old, could carry a 40 lb. child a quarter mile without stopping. We declined an ambulance. Mark's wife Astrid, picked us up in their family SUV, they have 5 children. If they have any more, they will need a school bus. Astrid brought us to Jackson Memorial Hospital . At 11:30 at night, we marched onto the pediatric floor and with the benign indulgence of the head nurse, quietly knocked on the door of the 5 year old who had undergone the craniotomy and arm amputation. His father was staying with him. Joy slowly spread over his features as he became aware of the presence of his family. The three year old girl, who had snuggled into my arms for warmth yelled "Pappi!" and jumped from my arms to his. The face of the boy with the amputated arm lighted up like national Christmas tree at the White House. We had done our job. I'm sure that their medical injuries will be well treated and their wounds will heal. I'm not so certain about their country. I arrived home, exhausted, at 1 AM. A half hour later, famished, I sat down to a bowl of fettuccine and a glass of wine but could not help thinking that I had a home to go to and a meal to eat. Those people who clutched my sleeve earlier in the evening had no such reprieve. Stiff and tired, I arose at 7 AM to do an operation on an 89 year old. Kind of puts things in perspective. I am sending this out unedited, on less than 5 hours sleep, to catch the rawness of my emotions and the freshness of my recollections. In 1992, I worked in Homestead after Hurricane Andrew and saw similar devastation. The difference was that the people of Homestead knew that their city would be rebuilt. It was. The people of Haiti have no similar expectation. In all humility, I understand that my contribution pales to insignificance. Others have given so much more that I am a mere pretender. They, and the people of Haiti , who are overcoming this tragedy with super-human acceptance, are the true heroes. ----------------------------- __________________________________________ January 22, 2010- 9:30PM (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) DearPA: Below are reports from people on the ground in Haiti. Scott was able to distribute 10,000 meals today without incident thanks to the addition of UN security with lots of guns, AWF is the single largest distributor of food from the World Food Program, the largest food suppler in Haiti. Here is a LINK to a picture from Yahoo of the incident yesterday. There was footage on CNN tonight of the food melee that trapped Scott yesterday. Video showed him in the middle of the mob. He said he has an imprint on his back of the shotgun his bodyguard was holding because they were pressed so tight together by the mob. Today's feedings went much better - 8,000 at one location and 2,000 at another - everyone is safe. Photos are on the website: www.theeagleswingsfoundation.org - click on the "Facebook" link to see photos. Next I spoke with a PA who just returned from PAP, working in a hospital doing surgery. She is going to write a debriefing paper to share, but a couple of things she wanted people to know. In my initial e-mail I said don't go unless you have food, water, sewerage treatment and security for yourself and 10,000 others. Scott's experience reinforces the security issue. She told me one MAJOR problem now is there is no running water in PAP and hence no functioning toilets and no porta-potties. Only the great outdoors, and you are in the middle of a huge city. She says that in the hospital all the toilets are overflowing with waste, as are the toilets in the airports. She suggests that if you go, bring along some type of plastic container you can use for your personal toileting needs. She also said not to count on food and water being available to you, so be sure to bring your own. Please do not take a trip to Haiti at this time lightly! Just imagine a city with several million people with no running water or toilets. There are still bodies in the streets, people with horrific injuries, and desperate people willing to kill for food or water. ------------------- Mike, Here is an update from Partners In Health, coordinator of the relief efforts at the PAP central general hospital, and the critical need for supplies to support the medical teams on site, and the need for medical teams that will still exist to manage dressings, skins grafts and other post operative care for another 6-8 weeks. Dear Friends, Wednesday morning, a strong aftershock earthquake rocked Port-au-Prince, temporarily shutting down operations at the general hospital in Port-au-Prince, as well as several other PIH sites outside the city. Since then additional smaller quakes continue to disrupt efforts on the ground. Here's a quick update on our work in Haiti despite these challenges. PIH's surgical teams continue to race against time to provide surgical care to earthquake victims in Port-au-Prince. Operating rooms at the central general hospital (HUEH) in Port-au-Prince are fully operational again after being temporarily evacuated on yesterday in response to the aftershock. PIH is still coordinating the relief efforts at HUEH and reports having 12 operating rooms opened 24 hours per day. Across the country, we have a total of 20 operating rooms up and running. To date, PIH has sent 22 plane loads with 144 medical volunteers - orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses and other medical professionals - and several thousand pounds of medical supplies to support the more than 4,500 PIH health care providers already in Haiti. Despite these accomplishments, our teams throughout the country continue to report a great need for additional medicines (antibiotics, anesthesia and narcotics), medical equipment (anesthesia machines and x-rays), medical supplies (IVs, tubing, irrigating saline), and water. "There are very sick people and too little space and time," reported PIH Women's Health Coordinator Sarah Marsh from our hospital in St. Marc. She added that we will lose more patients to infection in the coming days if we don't find additional medications, and explained that is only for lack of supplies - not patients - that the surgical team risks performing more operations. A volunteer orthopedist also working from St. Marc stressed that we will need full medical teams on site to manage dressings, skins grafts and other post operative care for another 6-8 weeks. Our sites in the Central Plateau and the lower Artibonite are dealing with increasing numbers of patients and families seeking both medical treatment and refuge from devastated Port-au-Prince. Finding space and beds for post-operative care has become the next major challenge. In Cange, PIH's 104-bed facility is overflowing: the church is serving as a triage center and the school as a recovery room. People are arriving in Cange at all hours of the day and night; many simply have nowhere to go. "Our houses were crushed and our businesses destroyed. So we came to Cange," said one man who arrived in a bus with 12 relatives, including his mother-in-law who was critically injured. In Belladaire, near the border with the Dominican Republic (DR), up to 1,000 people are camped out at PIH's hospital in temporary shelter, searching for family members and medical treatment. We expect that people will continue to return to the countryside, having lost their family, livelihoods, and homes in the capital city, and meeting the needs of this displaced population will be a major task in PIH's long-term rebuilding efforts. Finally, recognizing that many of our own Haitian staff, who are working tirelessly to save the lives of others, have also lost their own families and friends, PIH is also developing a post-trauma mental health and social service program to serve both staff and patients. The task ahead is a monumental one. And even as we heal wounds, mend broken bones, and provide basic necessities (food, water, shelter), its true magnitude grows before our eyes. But we know from 20-plus years of accompaniment the resiliency of the Haitian people. Through poverty, strife, hurricanes, disease and hunger, our Haitian friends and colleagues continue to amaze us. Their determination, spirit, and ability to overcome and survive is inspirational and humbling. Partners In Health is determined to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to ensure that their struggle succeeds. With your help, we know we will be able to do so. Kenbe fem, Ali Lutz Haiti Program Coordinator __________________________________________ January 22, 2010 -1:30PM (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Below are 3 resources for vaccinations/Rx for people volunteering to go to Haiti. Please go to the CDC website to review the suggested vaccinations, medications, etc.: ---------------------- We are offering vaccines to those volunteering in Haiti at our cost (Eagles Wings Foundation voluteers are paid by Eagles Wings) and we will provide Rx for anti-Malaria medication, and cipro for diarrhea if needed Medical Center of the Palm Beaches 4623 Forest Hill Blvd. Ste 103 West Palm Beach, FL 33415 (561) 969-7900 ----------------------- Mike, Wanted to let you know that if anyone (particularly Palm Beach/Martin) needs vaccines prior to travel they can contact our clinic. We have already sent quite a few people with all shots and rxs for Malaria. Feel free to contact me at your leisure. Rick Stewart, PA-C Director of Clinical Services Jupiter Medical Center~Occupational Health Services 1210 S. Old Dixie Hwy Jupiter, Fl 33458 Ph: 561-745-5787 Fx: 561-745-5713 <<RStewart@jupitermed.com.vcf>> ---------------------- If any one traveling to Haiti is need of vaccines (Hep A, Typhoid, tetanus or medication for malaria prevention or information regarding travel vaccines - feel free to contact me at Concentra Medical Center. (954 - 767 -9999) We are located at 1347 S. Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale. Sanford Cohen, PA-C _________________________________________ January 22, 2010 -11AM (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: I spoke with one of the leaders from Eagles Wings this morning about the activities in Haiti. Scott's mission yesterday was to distribute 10,000 meals per hour in the PAP area. He has hired 120 civilians off the street to assist, survivors helping survivors, and he has a contingent of 80 armed Haitian National Army as security. Soon after they began operations a riot started and Scott was barely able to get out alive. As a result, his operation has been discontinued until better security can be established. Eagles Wings is not, at this moment, transporting volunteers from the USA. An experienced military trauma surgeon, with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, has told us to refer to Haiti as a "war zone". I want to restate my first warning about going to Haiti, don't go unless you are sure of your personal security. There are several organizations with secure environments who are in great need of PAs, and several have already deployed. The contact info is in the Emergency Responders and Volunteers area on our website. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about going to Hiati. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ January 21, 2010 (condensed from information supplied by Eagle Wings Foundation to Mike Funk on 1/20/10) [For organized provider groups traveling to Haiti for Eagle Wings Foundation] JetBlue is helping to accommodate physicians and other health care providers via round trip transportation from Ft. Lauderdale to Santo Domingo. The round trip will be booked in advance, and will provide a confirmed itinerary (same as any commercial reservation.) It has been asked about booking healthcare volunteers for 4-day-at-a-time rotations. Discussing the details with our deployment management team and our Advance Task Force in Port au Prince now, everyone agrees four day deployment is not advisable in this stage of the response because it will take a minimum of one day to get to ANY location away from Santo Domingo Airport, and a minimum of one day to get back from any location to Santo Domingo for return flight. That would give a provider 2 days of treatment time - at best........... We advise you, at this time, please ask your providers to consider a minimum of 7-14 days deployment to be effective to the disaster response mission. Jet Blue wants us to collect this info & have it ready so that as seats become available we can pop people into them quickly. The info must be submitted to Haitian authorities a day ahead of each flight. Our Eagles Wings contact for Jet Blue is Bill Weg: 561-818-5288. Name Address tel. Passport # & whether it is a U.S. Passport or ?? Passport expiration date Passenger weight (in case we use Kings Wings which can accommodate only 1,200 lbs. per flight) Date of Birth Male or Female How long can they stay When can they leave Supplies they will be bringing Very brief description of Area of expertise, including professional designation (1-2 sentences) Have they been to other disasters? If yes, very brief 1-2 sentence description) -Eagle Wings Foundation (courtesy Anne Scofield & Carol Lewis) __________________________________________ January 20, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: A number of PAs with surgical experience, or who know surgeons who are interested in going to Haiti to help, have asked how they can get involved. Please contact Albert Lopez (e-mail: albert@icassemblies.com). Include your credentials, experience, citizenship status, when you are available and anything else you think would be useful information about what you can do. Also, they require that you bring equipment and supplies with you, there would be nothing worse than to have a surgeon with no equipment or supplies, standing around wishing they could do something. Include in your e-mail what you can bring. They need everything, surgical screws, plates, casting supplies, scalples, insturments, bandaging material, sterilization solutions, sutures, etc., etc. Albert's group is affiliated with a hospital in PAP with 8 functioning surgical suites, only 3 of which are in use now due to lack of personnel. They also have Haitian National, American Armed Service and private security. They provide transportation from Ft. Lauderdale. Please feel free to share this info with any surgically experienced providers you know who are interested in helping. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________ January 19, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: Here's an update and a little insight into the situation in Haiti. Ray was an Army PA, so when he says he has never see anything like this, you can bet it is 1000 times worse than anything you have ever seen! Ray brings up a point. The demands are going to be great if you go. You will feel like you have to work 24 hours a day, and even then you will be way behind. Scott has had a lot of experience dealing with serious disasters and he limits volunteers to 8 - 10 hours a day of work. You become progressively less efficient the longer you work and after a few days of no sleep you become a casualty yourself. Also, an update from Scott Lewis from his official report. It concerns me when he says the Haitian police turn and ran when the situation got ugly, but I also understand. ----------------------------- Mike, It is chaotic out here. First of all, we had to fly into Turks and Cacaos then find transportation to Haiti. We ended up hitching a ride with the US Coast Guard and landed in Port Au Prince which was insane. It was good to see Armies from Brazil, France, Ecuador, Canada, Jordan, Mexico and more working together. Our mission was to head to Hospital Albert Schweitzer and help Trauma victims...We had to take a 3 hour drive into Haiti with an unknown driver that was hired. We had an SOS sent to us Via Turks. Finally, arriving at the Hospital we were rushed to the OR to begin amputations, complex fracture repairs. Immobilizing young infants, children and adults. Unfortunately, many had gangrenous limbs and we had no choice to amputate. We were the only surgical team here and people have been waiting for days. I have never seen something so catastrophic in my life. We have been working nonstop and with no sleep. We are lacking medical personnel and surgical supplies. I will inform you of another update when I arrive...I have some amazing pictures and videos...Hopefully, be home soon... Ray Rakhar, PA-C ---------------------------- Eagles Wings Friends: The following report updates & corrects the info that was emailed yesterday morning after our 8:00 a.m. conference call with Scott in Haiti. It is taken from the official situation report he filed. Carol: Preparations underway with development of Haitian MOU's for 20, two ton flat beds with 80 person security team, 10 POD managers, 10 POD crews (60 persons), 1 POD manager, & Pathfinders A Team. Also, preparations for staging of a Logistics Base for mass care operations, incorporating Sat COMM team, warehouse, plus three more 2 ton trucks, separate security team, medical team, and self supporting management team. Cooperating with local NGO's and police plus private sector. Civil unrest issue: On Recon mission in PAP, encountered a very large and visibly angry mob with crude weapons. Mob turned and began running towards our team. Three local police cars hurriedly left from area before we could turn, and we immediately began retreat with someone from mob area firing gun shots about 200 feet away. Extremely tense - now off limits zone for any PTF personnel. Reported to JMAC and to DC Liaison. Made continued contacts at UN Log Base with JMAC, Local PAP government personnel, have met with one more Haitian Government Minister. 1 Meter Dish with Wi Fi and VOIP with 1 x 1 MG transfer with Comm team in WPB. 3 Trained USAR teams with dogs staged in WPB. PTF team ready to deploy possibly tomorrow - Tuesday 0800, depending on access issues. --------------------------- Again, if anyone has contacts with any other aid groups, please add it to the FAPA website for disaster volunteers and if you have any first hand reports from PAs in Haiti, please pass them along to me to share. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH ___________________________________________________ January 18, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: I know I said I would only send out one e-mail a day, but right now things are developinbg very quickly. Below is the update from Scott Lewis who is in Port Au Prince. Several people have asked how long deployment will be. Most people can only tolerate one week. The hours are long, the demands are great and burn out is quick. It is immensley rewarding, but it is very hard work. This is probably the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times and will be incredibly taxing on volunteers. Here is Scott's update: HAITI UPDATE FROM SCOTT LEWIS 8:00 am Monday, January 18, 2010 We are establishing 10 Points of Distribution (PODs) today to distribute food for The World Food Bank. The Food Bank is having trouble getting their food supplies off the runways so we are solving that problem for them. As part of this mission, we have secured twenty 2-ton trucks with drivers, 60 local workers, 80 armed Haitian security guards and a POD manager. Kings Wings is flying more volunteers and supplies to us tomorrow. The contents of our plane will determine whether we can land in Port au Prince versus Santo Domingo. A high priority for us today is to secure a warehouse facility. A satellite communications team with two trucks, a satellite dish, portable HAM radio antenna, 3 cadaver dogs and 2 dog handlers are in our West Palm Beach office ready to deploy. New volunteers can assist with food distribution and mapping & tracking, using our 50 geocoded cell phones. We need to determine which roads are passable for food distribution throughout the country. Those who want to volunteer should contact our Eagles Wings office in West Palm Beach office: www.scott@theeagleswingsfoundation.org The humanitarian situation here is desperate. Our base camp is great. We have a safe place to sleep, hot food, good water, wi fi communications. The U.S. Embassy JMAT team has been the most helpful of the government groups down here. All donations will help us with the mission described above. When we have to hire people we are trying to hire locals. They are in desperate need of jobs, food and water. Donations can be made via our website, www.theeagleswingsfoundation.org or checks can be made out to "The Eagles Wings Foundation" and mailed to 375 Possum Pass,West Palm Beach, FL 33413. __________________________________________________________ January 18, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Dear PA: Eagles Wings Disaster Relief has been tasked, as of this morning, with securing 20 distribution points in the Port Au Prince and surrounding area. We need folks who are ready and willing to deploy now. Transportation, security, living accommodations, food, water are all provided. ONLY people who are in excellent health with competent immune systems are asked to apply. You can email Scott Lewis at scott@theeagleswingsfoundation.org. Here is the CDC web site with recommendations regarding vaccinations and diseases that you need to be aware of if you go: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/relief-workers-haiti.aspx PLEASE read these guidelines. I have had news that some PAs who have attempted to go to Haiti without having a specific task approved by the government have been turned away. It is very important that you go with a group who is working within the Emergency Management Operations frame work. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Michael Funk, PA-C, MPH __________________________________________________________ January 16, 2010 (FAPAGram from Mike Funk to membership) Below are emails from the State Emergency Responders and Volunteers of Florida, as well as from PAs who are now in Haiti: ---------------------------------- Dear MRC Volunteer: This e-mail will provide you with current information on Florida's involvement with the Haiti Response. Today, the state SERVFL team conducted an urgent conference call with all Local MRC Coordinators. The purpose was to coordinate our efforts and share updates so that we all have the same information, this reduces both confusion and rumors. This is the information that we know right now (Current Situation): 1. The State of Florida has not declared an emergency. There is no executive order from the Office of the Governor. 2. Responders that are currently going to Haiti are part of the federal response through the U.S Department of Health & Human Services. 3. As of today, there are no planned deployments or missions to Haiti through Florida's State Emergency Operations Center. This includes the Florida Department of Health and the MRCs. 4. The Florida Department of Health may be requested to support repatriation and service centers for Haitians entering Florida. Two centers are currently planned in Miami. MRC support may be needed . Right now, the one of the worst things that someone could do is decide to go to Haiti as an individual and try to help. A coordinated effort of identified and prepared teams that have a defined mission is always the best response. Through the State Emergency Operations Center, we are coordinated through a system. Keeping that in mind: 1. Your local MRC coordinator will notify you when or if MRC volunteers are needed to support Florida's response. 2. You can assist now by going to www.servfl.com, reviewing your profile information, and making updates as needed. If you speak Haitian-Creole or French, please make sure that information is indicated in the language section of your profile. 3. Please share the phone number (800-342-3557) to the Florida Emergency Information Line to anyone who may have questions. Thank you, your volunteerism is very important. The SERVFL Team. ------------------------------------------ Mike The DMATs (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) are federal emergency medical teams under the Dept. of Health and Human Services with doctors, PAs, NPs, nurses, paramedics, communicators, logisticians, psychologists etc. They are fully equipped with deployable shelters, water purification equipment, medical supplies and life support. My team, Florida One DMAT is already in Haiti and operational. PAs are encouraged to join a DMAT and train to be ready for the next emergency. Check out the web site http://fl1dmat.com George N. Roll, PA ---------------------------------------- There are 6 DMATs in Florida, each covering a specific area, but they are deployed to disasters where ever they are needed. Each DMAT can be reached by typing http://fl(the number of the team you are interested in)dmat.com. Example: http://fl2dmat.com, http://fl3dmat.com, etc. DMATs are mobile emergency rooms. They are fully equipped and self contained. They provide medical care equal to or better than any ED you have been in. However, you must join and participate in training before you are deployed. They do not welcome drop in volunteers, no matter how well trained you are, just like your local ED wouldn't let you come in off the street and work. If you are so inclined to be part of a highly trained and higly functional team, this is for you! ----------------------------------------- Mike: I have done medical work in Haiti with an organization called Living Water Ministries of the Palm Beaches which has a presence established in Northwest Haiti. I actually did a medical clinic there almost two years ago to the the day of the earthquake. With all of the devastation in Port-au-Prince LWM says they are expecting many to flee to the countryside where conditions are slightly better and where people may have relatives located there. As a result they are anticipating a drain on the food, water, and medical supplies which normally funnel into these villages. With Port-au-Prince devastated, they have lost a major supply route. LWM is sending 12 sea containers which will be offloaded at a port along the coast, outside of Port-au-Prince. They are estimating the cost to be around $100,000 for shipping . They have the manifests and paperwork channels already set up as they make shipments there regularly. As yet, they are not calling for volunteers as this would probably only add to the strain on limited supplies of food and water (as mentioned in one of your emails). They are taking donations on their website: www.livingwaterhaiti.org . Anyone wishing to make donations would be well served to donate to LWM. As your prior email said, the infrastructure prior to the earthquake was sketchy at best. Now it is nonexistent. Many personnel want to rush in to help but right now they may not be able to get alot done until the roads are cleared and some sort of large scale coordination plan is implemented. From what I am seeing, much needed supplies are bottled up at the airport. The seaport in Port-au-Prince is shut down. Let me know if you or anyone has questions about LWM's operation there. Tim Grabowski, PA-C FAPA Vice President ------------------------------------------- Mr Funk, Hope all is well. I am about to leave to Haiti this evening with a Trauma team from Broward General. I am the only PA in this team, and I will do my best to represent the PA profession as well as delivering compassionate medical care to those who need it. I will deploying with Dr. Kevin Shrock (Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon and others surgeons too.) I will have an update for you when I return. Prayers to all, Ray Rakhar, PA-C ------------------------------------------- Hey Mr. Funk, I was your student at NSU, graduating in August of 2003. I just returned from working in Haiti for 2 years as a PA for DOS. I am devastated by the news...www.haiticlinic.org is out of Indian River county. Gayl Nye - Paramedic (also I take all of my ACLS through her every 2 years...her business is Florida Heart CPR) and Dr. Parvis go to Haiti multiple times per year through FAVACA...www.favaca.org. This is a State of Florida legislated group that does humanitarian aid in the Caribbean; the headquarters is located in Tallahassee. It was established by Gov Bob Graham in the 1980s. Gayl and Dr. Parvis's clinic is accepting donations. Also, I am a member of Physician Assistants for Global Health...www.pasforglobalhealth.org which is a AAPA group. They already sent a group down yesterday or the day before...but websites for the above will explain more about their efforts. We have 53 US police officers working IN MINUSTAH right now, and I was their Medical Officer and ESH Representative for 2 years beginning in March 2007. All are accounted for and are well. I actually was Annabi's umbrella girl at a Medal Parade at Ambassadors house. I am in constant contact with US Embassy nurse even now...as you can tell, I have such fond memories of this country, and wish I was there right now assisting the folks...today on TV I saw Counsel General Don Moore who also is a close friend... Sincerely, Jana K. Ray, PA ------------------------------------------ Eagles Wings/Pathfinders was not able to land in PAP so they went to the DR, which many people are doing, and then hired a van and security and drove to PAP, a drive that usualyy takes 8 hours but took them 10 because of bridges being out and general disaster road conditions. They are working on securing a place from which to operate. They are deploying their Rapid Disaster Assessment team using the GPS mobile phone technology described on the home page. Accordng to their on site report, the news media is not giving an accurate assessment of the lawlessness that is going on. It is VERY dangerous! I have been told there is a group of physicians in Broward County who are operating shuttle flights to Haiti from the Broward Executive Airport. Contact Broward County Medical Association for information. There are many local groups getting ivolved in in this response. Please contact your local medical society and see how you can help. Sincerely, Mike Funk, PA-C	FAPA THANKS THEIR CORPORATE PLATINUM MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE PA PROFESSION

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Haiti Relief Updates