Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
PEACC Medical Volunteers’ Report from Pakistan
(Exclusive to Sada-e-Watan; By Annette,
Craig &
Madeleine from Islamabad)
Annette Keay, Craig Drury and Madeleine Trewartha of Australia are currently on a volunteer visit to Pakistan organised by the PEACC and Apheda.
Well, it's great to finally be here. Everyone is looking after us so well.
We spent our first week visiting three different hospital sites in Islamabad
where earth-quake effected patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are located.
During our visits we have been reviewing the current practices of physio’s and
OT’s (occupational therapists).
Following the review, we developed a workshop that we are currently conducting.
It is a 5 day workshop, with 30 participants, who are physiotherapists and
occupational therapists.
The workshop is used to build on the current practice and skills of the
therapists - teaching more advanced skills, and refining current skills. It
involves both theory as well as practical sessions.
There are a range of things we have been training participating medical
professionals.
We have been instructing participants on how to complete floor to wheelchair
transfers, in the gymnasium, demonstrating to participants how to complete
assisted coughing, and teaching patients how to dress when you have paraplegia
and cannot move your legs.
The therapists were put through a practical session to demonstrate what we have
taught them.
The participants have been shown specific techniques to complete floor to
wheelchair transfers by themselves and how to teach someone with paraplegia.
All of the participants are willing to gain knowledge and specialized skills in
SCI. They appear to be enjoying the course.
Next week we are hoping to go to Kashmir, where the earthquake was most
devastating. We will be involved in providing advice and consultation for a
Community Based Rehabilitation service which is currently in the planning stage.
The following week we will be providing a second workshop to the
multi-disciplinary team, to promote the core elements of Rehabilitation for
persons with a SCI (Spinal Cord Injuries).
The Islamabad club is a great place to stay. We are all well and are having a
wonderful time.
Craig looks good in his shalwar kamiz!!!!!!
