Environmental maintenance
When we think of medical support, we generally imagine support for the purpose of treatment and prevention, such as medical examinations, surgeries, and prescriptions of medicines. However, we believe that improving the environment and lifestyles that cause illness and injury is also an important part of medical support. When the living environment is improved, life becomes more relaxed and less stressful.
We considered cleaning toilets as a part of medical assistance, and today HuMA nurses and the members of the Japan Mountain Guides Association, who support HuMA’s daily life, practiced this activity together. Evacuees who saw us working called out to us to take a bath. We believe that this was because they appreciated our efforts to maintain the living environment for the evacuees, such as the meticulous disinfection of common areas, which the guide members do on a daily basis.
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| Prepare well before cleaning toilets | Happy if evacuees feel comfortable using it. |
Children bring smiles.
The evacuees that HuMA is in charge of include seven children ranging from infants to junior high school students, and we visited them to hand them toys provided by Save the Children. The mountain guide had been an elementary school teacher for 15 years, and her natural and lively way of talking to the children was quintessential. The children seemed to be very strong, saying, “We don’t have to study because we can’t use the school!” The childrens’ cheerful attitude was a great relief to us.
Activities at relief stations, shelters, and visiting places
At one shelter, some people are staying in a warehouse or in their cars because they are uncomfortable sleeping with others. One person tested positive for corona and there was widespread anxiety in the shelter and so HuMA was called in. It is possible that accurate test results will not be available until about 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, but it is understandable to feel anxious under the circumstances. We tried our best to listen to him and accept his feelings, saying that that is worrisome.
Patients are still coming and going at the relief center, and the Self-Defense Forces are also transporting patients. Some people were able to see their cats for the first time since the earthquake on New Year’s Day, but were bitten and injured when their cats became frightened. Everyone is still anxious, and HuMA will continue to provide support to the people in the affected areas.
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| Emergency transport of febrile patients | Many are brought in. |
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| This patient bitten and injured by frightened domestic cats. | Perform a medical examination on short notice at the request of the evacuees during a visit |