We provide medical care, home visits, and mental health care at shelters in Suzu City. There is a risk of corona and influenza infection in evacuation centers. As infection control measures, we suggested that room ventilation, hand hygiene, and disinfection be implemented, and that a call be made through a whole building broadcast to ensure regular ventilation.
Support from the olden days
In the morning, we conducted medical checks, and in the afternoon we worked with members of the Japan Mountain Guides Association to ventilate shelters and clean handrails, etc. The Japan Mountain Guides Association supported HuMA during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as well.。We do appreciate their cooperation again for the efficient activities of the medical personnel.
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the Japan Mountain Guides Association members going around wiping and ventilating during our medical activities. |
They continue to clean up even in the dark and cold. |
Cooperation of evacuees in relief shelters
Signal conditions in the affected areas were not good, and telephone and Internet connections were difficult even at the relief station. However, a satellite phone was recently installed at the relief station, and when we were checking how to connect, we received help from an evacuee with strong IT skills and were able to use it immediately. Thanks to this, phone and Internet connections became easier and we were able to share the local situation promptly.
Disaster-stricken areas, some places still not receiving enough support
HuMA OB/GYN and midwife-supported maternity hospitals today provided telephone care to a 17-week pregnant woman complaining of stress. We also explained the results of blood draws and provided psychological care to a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes. We called all pregnant women in the three cities attending this maternity hospital to confirm their location and condition. This area is chronically underpopulated with medical care. The timing of the staffing shortage is a concern when surgeries, outpatient visits, and deliveries coincide with this disaster. Doctors and nursing managers are working without a break and are exhausted. We do not know how many expectant mothers will come to this maternity center because of the earthquake. Some midwives are on maternity leave, and although we would like to secure as many midwives as possible for a short period of time, it seems to be difficult to secure enough staff.
In other areas, roads to the districts have not yet been opened and are only accessible by SDF vehicles. In some areas, lifelines are inadequate, electricity is out, and people are living in shelters in plastic greenhouses.
Today’s Activities
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| Transporting patients with chronic heart failure | HuMA nurse delivering disaster prescriptions to evacuees |
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| Explain to fever patients. Currently, only HuMA is available for nighttime treatment. | Home visit for a 1-year-old febrile child quarantined with coronavirus. |