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- Talk
- 21/09/2022
- UK
Orthopaedic Response to Conflict and Disaster; Lessons Learned and Transferable Skills - Closing Remarks
Description
In a testimony recalling his experiences during disasters, John Keith, an orthopedic surgeon from Christchurch, New Zealand, shares his journey through two major catastrophic events: the devastating earthquake in February 2011 that claimed 185 lives and the tragic mosque shootings in 2019. Despite not having a military background, Keith's role as the head of his department and the on-call surgeon during these crises placed him in harrowing circumstances.
During the earthquake, he managed around 140 patients at Christchurch Hospital amid infrastructure failures and significant uncertainty. He reflects on the chaos that ensued, illustrating the unique challenges posed by each disaster, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability in emergency responses. Keith likens managing trauma in a hospital setting to a battle where surgeons make critical decisions based on incomplete information, a sharp contrast to the more regimented responses often employed by police and ambulance services.
He recounts specific cases, grappling with life-and-death decisions, highlighting how the unpredictability of events requires a departure from structured protocols. Furthermore, he underscores the importance of working collaboratively in an ego-free environment, stressing that successful outcomes often depend on collective decision-making rather than individual assertiveness.
Keith also addresses the essential roles of leadership and clinical guidance during emergencies, advocating for the inclusion of clinicians in administrative processes. He shares insights from military colleagues about managing team dynamics and the need for external support, acknowledging that no one can tackle such challenges alone. His experiences provide a powerful reflection on trauma care in the developed world, illuminated by lessons learned from both earthquakes and acts of terrorism.