Due to the current crisis caused by the earthquake, physical therapists are in high demand in Haiti. While the news media seems to focus on doctors, nurses, and high tech medical equipment, little is said about the physical therapists needed to help rehabilitate the countless injured residents.
The current health crisis in Haiti, compounded by the devastating earthquake, revealed to the world a country in which health care is vitally important. The influx of volunteer medical professionals from around the world is incredibly admirable, but the lack of physical therapists could mean many Haitian nationals are being treated for their illnesses and injuries and not evaluated for rehabilitative courses.
With the earthquake upsetting all facets of life in the work and home spheres, an ignored physical injury could lead to more hardships down the road. Even without the possibility of employment, the loss of homes in many areas means dangerous terrain for injured individuals to navigate in order to reach sources of food and water. With the high number of orphans created by the earthquake, guiding children that have sustained injuries through physical therapy treatment could make the difference in teaching them self reliance and personal strength as their body heals.
Physical therapists offer one of the best ways for people living in Haiti to take control and lead happy, healthy lives. Rehabilitating everything from serious injuries to preexisting conditions like arthritis or degenerative diseases provides a method for physical and emotional recovery in a still turbulent environment.
Physical therapists can also work closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in order to ease the congested system and provide better care and greater resources to patients in Haiti. With the aid of more physical therapists, more volunteers will be able to work with more people affected by the disaster, and professionals will be able to see more patients and give them quality care.
Though it might not seem like physical therapists are high on the demand list to help in Haiti, the massive injuries left by the earthquake and the unstable environment the population must now navigate means that the Haitian people are in dire need of physical therapists. With quality and tailored personal care, rehabilitation, and management programs, physical therapists can make a difference in Haiti.
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