HAS marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims this week with stories of vehicle accident victims who were treated at HAS, which is seeing a dramatic increase in trauma cases from such accidents with post-earthquake road improvements.
Meet Jacques, an elderly man who supports his family through his farming in the Artibonite Valley. Last month, he was riding a motorcycle to buy feed for his cattle. As he tried to cross the street, another motorcycle came out of a blind spot and sidelined his. He fell to the ground with his left hand first; the impact was enough to break his wrist, a devastating injury for someone who relies on his hands for his work.
Jacques went first to his local clinic, where the health care professionals decided to refer him to HAS. After reviewing Jacques’ x-rays, HAS physicians put a full arm cast on him, which he wore for six weeks. Since the cast was removed, he has already been to see the surgeon twice for follow-ups. “I’m not healed yet, but I know I will be,” Jacques says. “I came to HAS in the past and they cured me.” In addition to follow-up appointments, he has been referred for regular physical therapy sessions to strengthen his arm and ensure that he is able to return to work as soon as possible.