Triage day began bright and early with breakfast at 6am. Morning devotions and the blessing of the hands were led by John Hubbard and our new spiritual leader Barbara Martini. The blessing of the hands directly relates to the spiritual connection with physical care that we will provide to our patients throughout the week. After team photos, the group was ready to walk the cobblestones streets to Las Obras and begin our day of triage. It was heartwarming to be greeted by the Guatemalan patients waiting to be triaged. Their kindness, bravery, and gratitude were recognized by the team and provided a positive reassurance for the day to come.
The hospital, Las Obras, was renovated since the last team visit. Additional operating rooms and modified layout provided an adjustment period for the surgical team as we began triage. For the first time since operating at Las Obras, the hospital was divided between our team and another medical group. The changes at the hospital presented a challenge. While some new members found their footing, those returning to Las Obras fine-tuned the triage process. From approximately 9:30 am to 4:30PM, around ninety Guatemalan patients underwent the triage process. Triage included understanding medical histories, examination of patients, potential surgical preparations, photos, and more. The strenuous yet rewarding day of triage helped put into perspective the sacrifices the patients make to travel to Las Obras, endure their medical complications, and entrust our team to provide quality care.
The evening consisted of a debrief and prep meeting for day one of surgery tomorrow. Members of the team shared experiences from triage and the operating room plans were laid out prior to dinner. The team and I are truly appreciative of the Quinta de Las Flores staff who provided us with another fantastic meal. Now we rest up, surgery begins tomorrow!
-Spencer Kang
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