Emergency medical service to the flood affected

Responding to the floods at the crucial time in Cuddalore, Tamilnadu, Alternative for India Development (AID) had immediately sent its medical team for providing emergency health services to the flood victims. Two ambulances fitted with medical emergency equipments, first aid medicines and life saving kits like oxygen cylinders, wheel chair and emergency

 headlights were pressed into medical services. Each ambulance had a doctorone nurse and a para-medical worker. One group engaged in Parangipettai area and another one in Killai, the worst affected region of Cuddalore in health emergency work.

Some of the life-saving drugs like Decatron and Vitamin K for acute hemorrhage, etc. were stocked adequately and with the help of these medicines and medical team, AID had rendered emergency health services. They were assisted by the Government Fire Force who also joined in the rescue operation and First Aid services. AID volunteers were also engaged to support the medical team. 

The dispossessed, the marooned and the rescued people who were lodged in the nearby schools, marriage halls and other government buildings and were given First Aid and health emergency services. 

The flood water contaminated all the drinking water sources. All the drinking water sources were flooded with salinity, filth, chemicals and other toxic materials. Hence the water throughout the area was unfit for drinking. AID emergency team alerted them to use only hot water for drinking to protect them from various water borne diseases.

 Diseases like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lower respiratory diseases and Urinary Track Infection (UTI) were the most prevalent among the flood affected people due to the continual rains and the non-draining of the rainwater. 

After the heavy spells had stopped, AID created a doctor’s team comprising of Dr. R. Santhakumar, Dr.Vijayalakshmi, Dr. Lakshmi Santhakumar, Dr. Indira Priyadharsini, Dr.Angairkanni and

Dr.Balamurugan, three Nurses and paramedical personnel to provide emergency health service and care. The went in two regions of Parangipettai and Killai. About 350 patients were treated daily by each of these two mobile medical teams. Serious patients were sent to referral hospitals at

Chidambaram Taluk government hospital and Parangipettai government hospital, other local medical practitioners and nursing homes. Patients, who needed special treatments, were referred to Rajamuthaiah Medical College Hospital, Chidambaram and Government Headquarters Hospital, Cuddalore.

The areas covered were both in Parangipettai (24 areas) and Killai (8 villages).  Even in the remotest villages of these two blocks, AID had conducted day-long medical camps.  There were long queues in all these camps throughout the day reflecting the need for emergency health services. Many were affected by various diseases in the aftermath of the unprecedented rains and floods.

The doctors have identified various diseases such as Viral infection (Fever, cold, cough), Fungal infection (Skin rashes), Scabias, Diarrhea and vomiting, gastroenteritis among many. Many had physical injury which got infection. The other diseases were bronchitis, asthma and varicose vein. Many women suffered from Reproductive Track Infections (RTI), Urinary Track Infections (UTI), prolapsed uterus and special care for pregnant and lactating mothers. They also suffered from hypertension, diabetics, diabetic foot, Lymphoma in neck. Worm infection and Convulsions (epilepsy) were found among many.  Many children were anemic and were physically exhausted. The other ailments were appendicitis, hernia, piles, rheumatic heart diseases, joint pain and headache, etc.

AID’s medical teams had conducted 21 medical emergency camps for flood affected areas from 28th November 2005 till 9th December 2005. As the inundated areas are slowly limping back to normalcy, the medical teams geared up the villagers for immediately responding to the possible health hazards in these areas.  They also injected medical emergency preparedness among the villagers and volunteers. Since the flood situation improved, AID is now, conducting medical camps thrice in a week in the affected areas.

Key outcomes of the emergency relief:

• Totally 3501 persons were provided with emergency care.

• 32 Flood affected villages were provided with life saving emergency services.

•  810 Person’s life saved.

•  Reduction of suffering from diseases.

• 32 Villages were alerted to take health preventive steps from water borne diseases.

•  Idea of health emergency preparedness infused.