Go to main content

Haiti: HI trains physiotherapists in Emergency Rehabilitation to respond to earthquake

Emergency Rehabilitation
Haiti

The Humanity & Inclusion (HI) emergency response team has begun the training process for new physiotherapist recruits who will be reinforcing local hospitals and a rehabilitation center in Les Cayes, Haiti.

HI specialist Virginie Duclos trains 6 physiotherapists to take in charge people injured by the 14 August earthquake

HI specialist Virginie Duclos trains 6 physiotherapists to take in charge people injured by the 14 August earthquake | © R. Crews / HI

This week, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) began training 7 physiotherapists and one PT assistant in emergency rehabilitation to provide reinforcement support in local hospitals and rehabilitation center in Les Cayes (Haiti).

The newly recruited physiotherapists have already received all of the appropriate training to respond to rehabilitation needs in normal times, most of which have received training by HI in the past. In response to the earthquake that struck southern Haiti on August 14th, the sessions will focus on working in an emergency context. And will continue throughout the week as the physiotherapists simultaneously treat injured patients in local medical facilities.

 

The training objectives include:

  • Implementing a functional approach and reinforcing functional capacity of the facilities
  • Identifying, using and adjusting technical and mobility aids according to their availability and application
  • Prioritising urgent care in an emergency context and identifying red flags to prevent harm and complications
  • Implementing best practices and sharing expertise
  • Practicing psychological first aid for patients in need of immediate mental health support

At the end of the training, participants will be able to quickly identify and care for at-risk patients, while preventing complications or any long-term damage, and ensuring that patients are made aware of the appropriate next steps in their healing process.

HI trainees in emergency physiotherapyThese concepts are set in place via theoretical discussion, case studies and interactive activities alongside the daily work of reinforcing medical teams in three different facilities. In the beginning, the team will be overseen by HI’s emergency rehabilitation specialists, in the hopes that the physiotherapists will soon be autonomous in their emergency response to develop long-term rehabilitation support to the community.

Date published: 26/08/21

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

HI assess the contamination by explosive remnants and unexploded ordnance in Gaza
© HI
Emergency Explosive weapons

HI assess the contamination by explosive remnants and unexploded ordnance in Gaza

This is an example of an Explosive Hazard Assessment done by Humanity & Inclusion's team in Gaza. It took place in Deir el-Balah last December.

Powerful earthquake in Myanmar: HI teams are on the ground
© Sai Aung MAIN / AFP
Emergency

Powerful earthquake in Myanmar: HI teams are on the ground

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Humanity & Inclusion, which is present in the country, is currently assessing the extent of the damage and preparing to intervene.

In Uganda, Promise is now living life like any other child
© I. Aguta / HI
Inclusion Rehabilitation

In Uganda, Promise is now living life like any other child

Because of an untreated fracture, Promise lived through years of pain. Thanks to Humanity & Inclusion, he can now go to school and play with the other children.

FOLLOW US